What is one capability of a virtual directory?

A virtual directory is a logical representation of a directory that allows web applications to access content stored outside the root folder of the website. This feature is particularly useful in scenarios where the website needs to serve files or resources located in a different location on the server or even on a different server altogether, without needing to move these files into the main directory structure of the site.

This capability simplifies file management by allowing administrators to set up a unified directory structure for their web applications while physically separating the locations of different files. For example, a company might have its application files in one folder but store documents or images in another that is not part of the web application's root directory. Using a virtual directory allows easy access to this content as if it were part of the main directory.

The other options describe functionalities that are not associated with virtual directories. For instance, limiting access to files and folders aligns more with permission settings, while automatic backups and firewall functionality are related to security and data management but do not pertain to the structural aspect of how directories are accessed in web applications.