Network Operating Systems (NOS)

Network Operating Systems, abbreviated NOS, are programs that are designed to work with numerous computers on a network, allowing for communication amongst them, but “the term network operating system, however, is generally reserved for software that enhances a basic operating system by adding networking features” [5]. The NOS provides structure to the network as it controls the hardware and software within a network. The network operating system allows for the ability to include all the components of the network and allow several users to share files with one another through the network regardless of their physical location [1]. There are two main types of network operating systems, and there are several different operating systems to choose from, each one working differently. A network operating system usually contains a menu-based administration interface. From this interface, the administrator of the network can achieve a number of tasks. “He or she uses the interface to format hard drives, set up security permissions, and establish log-in information for each user. An administrator can also use the interface of a network operating system to identify shared printers and configure the system to automatically back up data on a scheduled basis” [2].

The first type of network operating system is peer to peer. The operating system for a peer to peer network allows the users within the network to access files contained in their computers as well as shared files on other computers. “You can configure computers in peer to peer workgroups to allow sharing of files, printers and other resources across all of the devices. Peer networks allow data to be shared easily in both directions, whether for downloads to your computer or uploads ...

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... or print server, as well as an application server, and Microsoft has created both workstation and server editions of Windows NT [6]. Microsoft even offers a version for small businesses with 25 users or less called Microsoft BackOffice for Small Business that includes Windows NT Server, plus Microsoft Internet Information Server for Web services, Microsoft Exchange server to support electronic mail and Microsoft SQL server for database applications [6]

Works Cited

[1] http://fcit.usf.edu/network/chap6/chap6.htm

[2] http://www.wisegeek.org/what-is-a-network-operating-system.htm

[3] http://compnetworking.about.com/od/basicnetworkingfa9s/a/peer-to-peer.htm

[4] http://compnetworking.about.com/od/basicnetworkingfa9s/ a/ cI ie nt -se rver. htm

[5] http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/N/networkoperatingsystemNOS.html

[6] http://www.networkcomputing.com/netdesign/soho6.html