Which network application lets a user access and modify remote files as if they were local, without explicit upload/download steps?

Introduction / Context:
Users often need to work with files that reside on a remote server. Some technologies require explicit transfers, while others provide transparent, mountable access so that applications can open, save, and modify files as if they were local.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Goal: seamless remote file access and changes.
• Expectation: no manual upload/download cycle for each change.

Concept / Approach:
Network File System (NFS) allows a client to mount a remote directory over the network. Once mounted, the remote files appear within the local file system namespace, enabling standard operations (open, read, write) transparently. This differs from file transfer protocols that require discrete copy operations.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
System administrators mount NFS exports (e.g., /srv/share) on clients (e.g., /mnt/share). Standard tools (cp, editors, IDEs) then operate on remote files transparently via the kernel’s NFS client.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• TELNET: remote terminal only.
• FTP: explicit transfers, not transparent editing.
• DNS: name resolution service, unrelated to files.
• None: incorrect because NFS fits exactly.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing “can edit remote files” via an editor over TELNET/SSH with actual file system mounting; mixing SMB/CIFS and NFS (both provide similar transparency but NFS is the Unix-centric answer here).

Final Answer:
NFS