Network Operating System (NOS)

NOS is responsible for controlling and linking computers that are part of a network. NOS delegate commands and set standards to prohibit mixture and loss of information traveling within the network. While some networks link a relatively small number of computers, there are massive networks that link a number of small networks.

Respectively, NOS is divided into peer-to-peer and Client/Server NOS.

Peer-to-peer network: users are capable of direct sharing of information from the linked computers. Peer-to-peer NOS does not have a centralized management source, hence, all linked computers are considered equal. This type of networking is designated for small to medium local area networks. Peer-to-peer networking is advantageous in terms of low expense and facilitated setup. However, it is not very secure when compared to client/server networking.

 Client/Server networks include a Client/Server NOS which is located in a designated computer known as the network server. The network server directs all communication between the linked computers. It contains all the resources from which all the linked computers can extract information. It also allows multiple users to share the same information at the same time.

The centralized allocation of the server is an advantage, since it provides complete control of the data and its security. Also, any member of the network can be replaced separately, without affecting the functionality of the NOS. On the other hand, a client/server network is quite expensive in terms of a server, as well as its requirement of the availability of staff dedicated to maintenance. Most importantly, if the server goes down, so does the entire network.

copyright©2007 operating system. All rights reserved.