What Does the UNIX Infrastructure Provide?

The UNIX infrastructure provides the architecture for a distributed computing environment, a system of networked machines that share resources.

The architecture allows users on various types of computers to access the same file system. Users logging into any machine see the same set of files and applications. This provides the computing community with a consistent, reliable, and easily managed environment.

A core set of components and services are available to all users:

Components:

• AFS, a global filesystem
• a rich set of applications and libraries
• a consistent and customizable user environment
• Kerberos, an industry-standard authentication mechanism

and Services:

• Home Directory Space
• Departmental Space
• Course Space
• Personal Web Space