What exactly is a profile?

[P51]

If I go to settings > general I see a profile (my school name) in it, it has wifi networks and random stuff. What is the point of this?

 

[Givmeabrek]

The Exchange server administrators added it to your phone when you signed up for email. It sets up email, security, wifi, and many restrictions on your phone. If you use their email, you follow their rules.

 

[tymaster50]

basically limits your phone, no more porn over their wifi.

 

[Daveoc64]

A profile may do those things, but it doesn't have to.

A few of them can be overridden as well if you don't want them.