AFS

The Andrews File System (AFS) is a distributed file system with a common name space. Although files may reside on different file servers, AFS allows access to all the files using one login name and password. As a result, users can see their files stored in one place.

The basic unit of AFS is a cell, which is equivalent to a directory or folder in Windows and a folder in Macintosh. A cell organizes and maintains its own space. Also, it can connect to other local or remote cells running AFS.

This file system is named the Andrews File System because it was introduced at Carnegie-Mellon University (CMU) and the last name of Carnegie is Andrews. Some computer experts predicted that future AFS versions would be expanded to a global distributed file system and the File Transfer Protocol (FTP) would become obsolete. However, AFS is not a global file system and users are advised to continue using FTP when appropriate.