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What Is A Network Operating System

A network operating system coordinates the activities of multiple computers across a network, acting as a director to keep the network running smoothly. The two major types are peer-to-peer, which allows users to directly share files and resources between computers without a centralized server, and client/server, which centralizes functions and applications on dedicated file servers for shared access. Client/server networks provide more security, scalability, and flexibility but at a higher initial cost than peer-to-peer networks.

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378 views

What Is A Network Operating System

A network operating system coordinates the activities of multiple computers across a network, acting as a director to keep the network running smoothly. The two major types are peer-to-peer, which allows users to directly share files and resources between computers without a centralized server, and client/server, which centralizes functions and applications on dedicated file servers for shared access. Client/server networks provide more security, scalability, and flexibility but at a higher initial cost than peer-to-peer networks.

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api-3699388
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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What is a 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 acts as a director to
keep the network running smoothly.

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 (See fig. 1). 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.

Fig. 1. Peer-to-peer network

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 may
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 (See fig. 2). The file servers become the
heart of the system, providing access to resources and providing security. 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 systems.

Fig. 2. Client/server network

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.
• Flexibility - New technology can be easily integrated into system.
• Interoperability - All components (client/network/server) work together.
• Accessibility - Server can be accessed remotely and across multiple
platforms.

Disadvantages of a client/server network:

• Expense - Requires initial investment in dedicated server.


• Maintenance - Large networks will require a staff to ensure efficient
operation.
• Dependence - When server goes down, operations will cease across the
network.

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