Network Operating Systems are basically defined as
the core operating system (hardware and software) that run on
the LAN, of which there are basically two types: Server NOS and
Peer-to-Peer NOS.
Server NOS (aka dedicated server)
The Server NOS runs on a central computer system
called the file server, that provides storage all of the client
data files, print queuing and printer sharing, data security,
data backups, and shared network applications services for LAN
connected clients. This can also afford the clients to be less
powerful PCs, while still performing the jobs for which they are
intended.
Network Operating Systems are analogous to operating
systems like MSDOS or OS/2 or Windows 95, but they are designed
to support multitasking, which allows the file server to perform
multiple/independent tasks at the same time. One process may be
retrieving a file, another request may be processing data movement
between the local network and the wide area network, and yet another
task may be printing files. The NOS is a very important part of
a smooth operating LAN.
Peer-to-Peer NOS (aka nondedicated server)
Some folks argue that they don't want all their "eggs
in one basket", and prefer to distribute the data and services
around the network. The Peer-to-Peer network design solves this
particular concern. In this case, the network is simply the sum
of all the parts. Each workstation has data, some workstations
"share" or make their hard drives available to others
on the LAN, and even some others share their locally attached
printers on the LAN for others. Although this makes for an easier
to assemble network, there is very little physical security or
data security available, and if someone is using your shared resource,
your PC's performance is impacted.
There are occasions where some networks start out
as peer-to-peer, but evolve into a client/server model. The primary
difference is that a server NOS is not used, the network still
operates on the peer level.
Examples of some Network Operating Systems:
| Server NOS | Peer-to-Peer NOS |
| Novell NetWare | Microsoft Windows for Workgroups |
| Microsoft Windows NT | Microsoft Windows 95 |
| Banyan Vines | LANtastic |
| AppleShare | AppleShare |
| IBM LAN Server | Novell Personal NetWare |
| UNIX | |
| Microsoft Msnet | |
| 3Com 3+ Share / 3+ Open |
Glossary:
LAN Local Area Network
Multitasking multiple jobs performed on a single processor
NOS Network Operating System
Copyright © 1997 Jeffrey L. Carrell. All Rights Reserved.
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