Andrew File System

NOTE: AFS Space at NC State is to be retired 31 Dec 2022.

  • Andrew File Space (AFS) is a distributed network file system.
  • Files that are physically stored on many different AFS servers can be accessed as if they were in a single directory (or virtual drive) on a local computer.
  • This allows a user on any AFS computer at any remote site (such as a computer lab) to access files in a unified and easily identifiable way.

AFS at NC State

  • AFS allows you to access your personal files from any Unity lab computer.
  • In most cases, AFS directories function just like any other Unix file system.
  • You will need to use standard Unix commands to create subdirectories and to move, copy, and delete files.

AFS from a Lab

On a Unity Windows workstation

  • Your personal network file space can be accessed through a virtual drive located under the “My Computer” icon.
  • This is usually at the top left of the desktop.
  • There may be several icons there, but the one for your personal file space will be named with your Unity ID and the letters AFS.
  • This is usually labeled the “K:” drive.

On a Unity Linux workstation

You are logged in to your personal AFS file space automatically.

AFS from a remote location

  • You can also get to your AFS file space from a remote location using a secure file transfer protocol.
  • This usually requires your Unity ID and password.

More about AFS file space

  • Unity Lockers (for university business only)
  • OpenAFS home page
  • The AFS service has moved to a new file system supported by AuriStor, a company formed by several major AFS contributors.