NFS file shares

The Network File System (NFS) is a client/server protocol that uses a central file server to store information and resources, including files, directories, and applications. The user can view, store, and update files on the remote file server as though the files existed on the users own computer.

Using the NFS protocol model of a central file server simplifies server management tasks such as updating applications and backup and restore operations. Although Windows versions of NFS exist, the NFS protocol is the default protocol used by UNIX- and Linux-based clients.