El Network operating system, also called Network Operating System, NOS or SOR, and some other ways but they all refer to the same concept, which we will develop throughout this post.
What is a Network Operating System (NOS) and what is its use?
El network operating system It is a software whose function is none other than to make possible the operation of a computer network, just like the operating systems that we know and use in our computers but, as the name indicates, for a network.
For this reason, it allows us to access and make use of the various resources and advantages that can be managed in a network, taking for example all the software components as well as hardware (elements of the computer or external to it), data from the users, some databases and even information security.
In conclusion, we can say that its function is to allow two or more computers to be linked either physically or wirelessly, in order to share data.
Advantages of the network operating system
Below we will point out each and every one of the characteristics shared by all these systems and which in turn are considered advantages of their use:
- They allow connecting all the resources that make up a network. Regardless of whether they are from the elements of computers or elements external to them, such as mobile devices and others, as long as they function as servers.
- They can also be shared, this to allow access to each of the computers as they are allowed. For this reason, you have a main computer.
- You can manage the number of users and the access that each of them will have.
- You have total control over the data and information accessed by each user, as well as compliance with security policies.
- Activity on the network can be monitored.
- The network is managed.
- Network functions can be coordinated, this includes those that are specific to each of the devices.
Although it is not strictly necessary, an interface is also often used to facilitate the use of resources for users.
Types of network systems
We know that there are two types of NOS based on their SOC integration:
- One of them is the one that is integrated into the OS that each computer has. Thus, each of the computers would have its own, due to the fact that it had an operating system. There is a great variety of SOs that currently already integrate their own NOs. Some are those of Apple and Microsoft for both desktops, laptops and servers such as Windows, Phone, iOS, Android and basically any Linux distribution.
- The second would be the installable SOR, which is nothing more than a software that we will install on the client, later, when it is needed for communication to take place between the network computers, then also enabling network functions.
It is important to note that we can make a classification of other types of NOS based on the connection between both parties:
- Use in routers: They are embedded in hardware firewalls and routers.
- Peer-to-peer: Your users share files and resources with each other. You need a server and the hardware requirements are basic.
- Client-server: It is an architecture that allows us to centralize the functions and applications in one or more dedicated servers, being able then, several clients, to access different resources. The servers are very stable, provide the level of security and can remotely access other computers
Components of a network operating system What are its main characteristics?
The network operating systems environment consists of the following characteristics:
- Servers: They are the computers that have the NOS. They have different resources that, thanks to the use of the network operating system, are shared with clients and other servers.
- Clients: In this case, the clients are the computers that have a single-user OS and connect with the servers, previously validated, and sometimes connect between themselves, but this will depend on the architecture used. Clients can make use of the resources granted.
- Domains: The domain is nothing more than a management of a group of computers, where you have the ability to manage them centrally, that is, from a single location. It is also done with its services and its resources.
How is a network system different from an operating system?
Any operating system is an administration environment for elements of software that are included in a computer or a device. We have them for applications, machine input-output structure, memory use, and other hardware elements.
That said, the operating system is general, while the network system would be a specialized operating system, in the use of networks for communication between computers, it would be the case.
The operating system of our computer has a real name that is Centralized Operating System, and it is also another centralized operating system in turn, in this case, in the management of resources of individual computers, running in privileged mode.
Some of the most used NOS to improve the connection between network equipment
In order to get a more precise idea of what is on the market, we must take a look at the most used SORs today
- LANtastic Artistoft: It is peer-to-peer, it runs on Windows, DOS and OS / 2, its configuration is very simple as well as its maintenance, being one of the best options for those who are not yet experts.
- LAN Manager, Microsoft: Most recommended for macrocomputers.
- Microsoft Windows Server.
- Linux for servers.
- Novell's Netware
In conclusion, a Network Operating System It is a software that connects multiple devices forming a computer network, which can be managed from a main computer and which also allows managing the information accessed by each of the users that are part of it.
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