Network Operating System:
Unlike operating systems, such as DOS and windows, that are designed for single users to control one computer, network operating systems (NOS) coordinate the activities of multiple computers across a network. The network operating system act as a director to keep the network running smoothly. The most popular network operating systems are a) Microsoft Windows Server 2003/ 2008, b) UNIX, Linux, c) Mac OS X, and d) Novell NetWare.
The two major types of network operating systems are:
- Peer-to-peer
- Client/Server
Peer-to-Peer:
Peer-to-peer network operating systems allow users to share resources and files located on their computers and to access shared resources found on other computers. However, they do not have a file server or a centralized management source. In a Peer-to-Peer network, all computers are considered equal; they all have the same abilities to use the resources available on the network. Peer-to-Peer networks are designed primarily for small to medium local area networks. AppleShare and Windows for Workgroups are examples of programs that can function as peer-to-peer network operating systems.
ADVANTAGES OF A PEER-TO-PEER NETWORK:
- Less initial expense- No need for a dedicated server.
- Setup- An operating system (such as Windows XP) already in place my only need to be reconfigured for peer-to-peer operations.
DISADVANTAGES OF A PEER-TO-PEER NETWORK:
- Decentralized- No central repository for files and applications.
- Security- Does not provide the security available on a client/server network.
Client/Server:
Client/Server network operating systems allow the network to centralize functions and applications in one or more dedicated file servers. The file servers become the heart of the system, providing access to resources and providing security. Network Operating Systems are based on a client/server architecture in which a server enables multiple clients to share resources. Individual workstations (clients) have access to the resources available on the file servers. The network operating system provides the mechanism to integrate all the components of the network and allow multiple users to simultaneously share the same resources irrespective of physical location. Novell Netware and Windows 2000 Server are examples of client/server network operating system.
ADVANTAGES OF A Client-Server NETWORK:
- Centralized - Resources and data security are controlled through the server.
- Scalability - Any or all elements can be replaced individually as needs increase.
DISADVANTAGES OF A Client-Server NETWORK:
- Expense- Requires initial investment in a dedicated server.
- Maintenance-Large networks will require staff to ensure efficient operation.
EXAMPLES OF A CLIENT-SERVER NETWORK:
- AppleShare
- Microsoft Windows server
- Novell Netware
Differences between PCs and a NOS:
PCs function as clients in a NOS environment. By using the functions of the PC native operating system, the user is able to access resources that are local to the PC. These include applications, files, and devices that are directly attached such as printers. When a PC becomes a client in a NOS environment, additional specialized software enables the local user to access non-local or remote resources as if these sources were a part of the local system. The NOS enhances the reach of the client PC by making remote services available as extensions of the local native operating system.
Network Operating System Characteristics:
- Network Operating Systems (OSs) distribute their functions over a number of networked computers.
- It adds functions that allow access to shared resources by a number of users concurrently.
- Client systems contain specialized software that allows them to request shared resources that are controlled by server systems responding to a client request.
- The NOS enhances the reach of the client PC by making remote services available as extensions of the local native operating system.
- NOS supports multiple user accounts at the same time and enables concurrent access to shared resources by multiple clients.
- A NOS server is a multitasking system. Internally, the OS must be capable of executing multiple tasks or processes at the same time.
- Some systems are equipped with more than one processor, called multiprocessing systems. They are capable of executing multiple tasks in arallel by assigning each task to a different processor.
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