Network operating system

An operating system that is designed for network use. Normally, it is a complete operating system with file, task and job management; however, with some earlier products, it was a separate component that ran under the OS; for example, LAN Server required OS/2, and LANtastic required DOS.

Unix, Linux, NetWare, Windows 2000 Server and Windows Server 2003 are examples of network operating systems designed for use in stand-alone servers. Such products may also include a Web server, directory services, messaging system, network management and multiprotocol routing capabilities.

Multiuser File Sharing

A network operating system (NOS) manages concurrent requests from clients and provides the security necessary in a multiuser environment. A file sharing component is installed in each client machine that interacts with the server to share files and applications as well as network devices such as printers, faxes and modems.

Peer-to-Peer Operating Systems

In a peer-to-peer network, such as Windows 98, XP, Vista or Win7, where each client machine can also be a server, the OS might still be considered a network operating system, but it is more lightweight than a full-blown NOS. See LAN.

The Software in a Network Client

This shows the various software components that reside in a user's client workstation in a network.

The Software in a Network Server

This shows the network operating system and various system software components in a network server.

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