What protocol is used for file sharing between Unix and Linux systems?

The correct answer is NFS, which stands for Network File System. NFS is specifically designed for file sharing in a networked environment, allowing users on different Unix and Linux systems to access files over a network as if they were on their local hard drives.

NFS operates by enabling remote filesystem access, allowing multiple systems to mount remote directories and manipulate files seamlessly. This makes it particularly effective in environments where multiple Unix or Linux servers require access to the same set of files or applications.

In comparison, while FTP (File Transfer Protocol) can also facilitate file sharing between systems, it is designed primarily for transferring files rather than providing continuous access like NFS. HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is used for transferring web pages over the internet and is not meant for file sharing between file systems. NTP (Network Time Protocol) is exclusively for synchronizing time across networked devices and has no role in file sharing. Thus, NFS is the most appropriate protocol for sharing files between Unix and Linux systems due to its capabilities and intended use.