An operating system is a group of software that controls the hardware resources in a computer and offers a variety of services to computer programs. It serves as a conduit between a person and a computer’s hardware.
Batch operating systems, Distributed operating systems, Network operating systems, Real-time operating systems, and Time-sharing or multitasking operating systems are just a few of the many kinds of it. It is a crucial part of the computer’s operating system program.
What is a Network Operating System?
An operating system known as a network operating system links various computers and devices on a local area network to enable file and resource sharing through connection and network-based communication.
An essential operating system that operates on a server and controls a network’s data, applications, groups, users, security, and other features is the network operating system. Its primary function is to enable file sharing and provide access to printers on a private network, a local area network, or other networks with many devices.
Functions of Network Operating System
Here are some functions of the network operating system:
- It establishes and maintains user profiles on the network.
- It regulates who has access to what network resources.
- It controls and configures the network’s resources.
- In order to improve the implementation of network functionalities, it uses protocols over the network.
- By using access management and user authentication, it enables a secure connection between two workstations.
Types of Network Operating Systems
Network operating systems are of two types:
- Peer-to-peer Network Operating System
- Client Server Network Operating System
Let’s talk about each one of them in detail.
Peer-to-Peer Network Operating System
A network of computers that share equal responsibility and authority over data processing is known as a peer-to-peer network. It enables resource pooling over a smaller, more accessible network. In terms of their features, capacities, and roles, every device in the network design is comparable to every other device. Every component in the network has the same connections to other nodes. Since there is no hierarchy of superiors or inferiors among the systems, there is no master-slave connection.
In smaller settings with no more than 25 workstations, a peer-to-peer network operating system enables numerous computers to share resources among scanners, printers, and CD-ROMs. A network adapter card is used to link devices in a peer-to-peer network. We can link the computers together with the aid of network cabling and a network hub or switch. No one is in control of the workgroup, and each computer is treated equally. Each machine on the network is in charge of monitoring user accounts and security settings. Due to the absence of a centralized login system, there is very little protection among the workgroups. Any person logged into a peer-to-peer network has access to shared resources. Due to the lack of a centralized security system, users can manage resource sharing using passwords as well as the accessibility and sharing of files and directories.
Advantages of Peer To Peer Network Operating System
Some of the advantages of peer-to-peer network operating systems are:
- As there is no centralized system to handle the network, peer-to-peer network operating systems require less upkeep and are less expensive to set up.
- This kind of network operating system operates without the need for specialized devices.
- A dedicated network administrator is not necessary to configure network rules in a peer-to-peer network operating system. By selecting the types of files they want to exchange, each user controls their system within the network.
- Twisted pair cable is used in its construction.
Disadvantages of Peer To Peer Network Operating System
Below are some disadvantages of peer-to-peer network operating systems:
- The security of a peer-to-peer network operating system is a frequent drawback. Because of share-level protection, it is less secure.
- The entire system is disrupted when a single component in the system network fails.
- The system’s efficiency suffers as the network gets bigger. Because every computer on the network has authority over it, this is the case.
- Operating systems for peer-to-peer networks are unable to keep track of the users attempting to reach a specific resource.
- The network is not under centralized authority. There is no singular person in charge of network administration. Instead, all users have access to the computer’s tools and files.
- Each common resource needs a password in order to be controlled. Since there can be numerous shared resources in a network, it can become tough to remember a large number of passwords.
Client-Server Network Operating System
An operating system for client-server networks has a client in the front and a server in the rear. Additionally, it has a server-based network where users can access tools for processing and storage. Servers and clients split the burden. The main computer offers access.
The server complies with the customers’ requests for printing, document storage, digital mail, and many other services. The server processes all group offerings. A database that is viewed by numerous computers on a network is involved in the Client-Server Network Operating System application. On the server, the information is kept. Database requests are sent by the consumers to the server, which processes them. The completed database searches are then transmitted across the network to the clients. A server has the capacity to service many clients at once.
Advantages of Client-Server Network Operating System
Advantages of Client-Server Network Operating System are as follows:
- A Client-Server Network Operating System is more secure than a Peer-to-Peer Network Operating System because it has a centralized data security mechanism.
- The workload is distributed among the clients and the server, which lowers network bandwidth.
- In contrast to peer-to-peer network operating systems, which only cover local areas, client-server network operating systems cover a much wider area. Since users have access to files and resources on the computer, peer-to-peer networks are used in settings where security is not a concern, such as small companies and home networks. Because new clients and servers are introduced as needed to expand the network, client-server networks can reach farther.
- A Client-Server Network Operating System can access the server remotely across numerous platforms.
Disadvantages of Client-Server Network Operating Systems
The disadvantages of Client-Server Network Operating System are as follows:
- Due to the burden being concentrated on one server, Client-Server Network Operating System performs poorly. Network managers who have undergone training manage the network. To address the issues quicker, more administrators must be hired.
- A Client-Server Network is more expensive to implement because it relies on the resources, security, and connections used. The expense is further increased by the price of the server.
- The entire network fails if there is a problem in any one area.
Features of Network Operating Systems
Features associated with Network Operating System include:
- It offers the required operating system support, such as hardware recognition, multiprocessing, and processor and protocol support.
- It enables the exchange of software and printers.
- Sharing of file systems and datasets is possible.
- Along with access control and user authentication, it offers network protection.
- It offers internetworking, a directory, and online services.
- It produces a data copy.
Advantages of Network Operating Systems
Advantages of Network Operating System are as follows:
- Central computers in network operating systems give them a high level of stability.
- Utilizing user authentication and access control features, they safeguard the network.
- With newer hardware and technologies, the network is readily upgradeable.
- Remote access to servers is possible from many different places. Software like VPN, a hardwired network interface, Wi-Fi, or joining via the internet can all be used to access it.
Disadvantages of Network Operating Systems
Disadvantages of Network Operating System are as follows:
- Depending on the server’s central location, various activities are carried out.
- A Network Operating System needs a lot of technical upkeep, so the setup cost is too high.
- It must be updated and maintained frequently to function properly.
Examples of Network Operating Systems
UNIX, Linux, Microsoft Windows Server 2008, Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Novell NetWare, Banyan’s VINES, Artisoft’s LANtastic, Mac OS X, and BSD.
Summary
- An essential operating system that operates on a server and controls a network’s data, applications, groups, users, security, and other features is the networking operating system.
- An operating system for a network controls access to shared resources, controls resource sharing, and handles user accounts.
- File sharing, network protection, web services, data backup, and essential operating system functions like hardware detection, multiprocessing, protocol support, and processor support are all made possible.
FAQs related to Network operating system
1. What are the 3 network operating system?
The three most popular operating systems are UNIX, Windows, and MS-DOS.
2. What are the two major types of network operating systems?
Peer-to-peer and client/server network operating systems are the two fundamental categories of NOS: Users can share network resources stored in a shared, reachable network location using peer-to-peer network operating systems. All devices are given the same functional treatment in this design.
3. What is a network system?
Computer networking is the term for a network of linked computers that can communicate and share resources. These networked devices transfer data using wireless or physical technologies using a set of guidelines known as communications protocols.
4. What is called a network?
The phrase "the network of networks" is the simplest method to describe the Internet. It is, in a sense, the joining of various computer networks into a single organism. It is a network of many smaller processors rather than a single large computer.
5. How many types of the network system are there?
LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), and MAN (Managed Area Network) are the three main kinds of computer networks (Metropolitan Area Networks). Devices in a constrained space, such as a building, workplace, etc., are connected by LAN.
6. Which type of OS is windows?
Microsoft created and distributes a number of proprietary graphical operating system types under the name Windows. Each family serves a particular segment of the computer business. Windows NT for end users, Windows Server for servers, and Windows IoT for embedded devices are a few examples.
7. What are the basics of networking?
Computer networks use cables, fibre optics, or wireless signals to link nodes like computers, routers, and switches. These links enable communication and resource sharing among networked devices. Networks adhere to protocols, which outline the sending and receiving of messages.
8. Is Linux a free operating system?
Linux is an operating system that is free and open source and distributed under the GNU General Public Agreement (GPL). As long as they do so in accordance with the same licence, anyone may execute, study, change, redistribute, and even sell copies of their modified code.