Every AFS client machine's kernel must incorporate AFS modifications. Some system types use a dynamic kernel loader program, whereas on other system types you build AFS modifications into a static kernel. Some system types support both methods.

Also modify the machine's authentication system so that users obtain an AFS token as they log into the local file system. Using AFS is simpler and more convenient for your users if you make the modifications on all client machines. Otherwise, users must perform a two or three step login procedure (login to the local system, obtain Kerberos credentials, and then issue the klog command). For further discussion of AFS authentication, see the chapter in the OpenAFS Administration Guide about cell configuration and administration issues.

For convenience, the following sections group the two procedures by system type. Proceed to the appropriate section.