A network operating system (NOS) is a software program that controls other software and hardware that runs on a network. It also allows multiple computers, also known as network computers, to communicate with one main computer and each other, so as to share resources, run applications, and send messages, among other things. A computer network can consist of a wireless network, local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), or even two or three computer networks. The heart of any of these networks, however, is the network operating system.
There are different types of operating systems. Most individual computer users run client operating systems, like Windows XP®, which run on a single computer. Personal computers that individuals use at home have a client operating system which manages the interactions and processes between the computer and its peripherals such as the keyboard, mouse, external monitor, and printer. In a sense, this is also a network, though it is different in scale than a network operating system which manages the interactions of many computers.
A network usually consists of many network computers that are connected to a central hub or router. The central hub, in turn, is connected to a larger, main computer. The network may also include other devices like printers, a tape-backup system, and a central storage facility. The main network computer runs all the connected computers and devices with the help of the operating system software.
A network administrator is the person who installs and manages the network and its operating system. He or she may configure the NOS to recognize a wireless network as well. If a WAN is involved, this would probably require more than one network administrator, as the network would likely be located offsite.
A network operating system has a menu-driven administration interface. From this interface, the network administrator may perform a variety of activities. He or she can use the interface to format hard drives, set up security restrictions, or establish log-in information for each user. The interface of a network operating system can also be used to attach shared printers to the network, or configure the system to automatically back data up on a daily basis.
An important component of a network is the file server. A file server is the device where data is stored for use by network computers. It can be a single computer or it can be a cluster of external hard drives hooked up in series to store data. A network operating system helps manage the flow of information between that file server and the network computers.
Examples of network operating systems include UNIX®, Windows 2000 Server ®, and Netware®. Each operating system runs differently, and as such has to be configured to perform the actions the network requires. A good knowledge of each operating system is necessary to work with them. Network administrators may need to be certified in order to manage particular network operating systems.
There are different types of operating systems. Most individual computer users run client operating systems, like Windows XP®, which run on a single computer. Personal computers that individuals use at home have a client operating system which manages the interactions and processes between the computer and its peripherals such as the keyboard, mouse, external monitor, and printer. In a sense, this is also a network, though it is different in scale than a network operating system which manages the interactions of many computers.
A network usually consists of many network computers that are connected to a central hub or router. The central hub, in turn, is connected to a larger, main computer. The network may also include other devices like printers, a tape-backup system, and a central storage facility. The main network computer runs all the connected computers and devices with the help of the operating system software.
A network administrator is the person who installs and manages the network and its operating system. He or she may configure the NOS to recognize a wireless network as well. If a WAN is involved, this would probably require more than one network administrator, as the network would likely be located offsite.
A network operating system has a menu-driven administration interface. From this interface, the network administrator may perform a variety of activities. He or she can use the interface to format hard drives, set up security restrictions, or establish log-in information for each user. The interface of a network operating system can also be used to attach shared printers to the network, or configure the system to automatically back data up on a daily basis.
An important component of a network is the file server. A file server is the device where data is stored for use by network computers. It can be a single computer or it can be a cluster of external hard drives hooked up in series to store data. A network operating system helps manage the flow of information between that file server and the network computers.
Examples of network operating systems include UNIX®, Windows 2000 Server ®, and Netware®. Each operating system runs differently, and as such has to be configured to perform the actions the network requires. A good knowledge of each operating system is necessary to work with them. Network administrators may need to be certified in order to manage particular network operating systems.
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