Network operating system

The network operating system (NOS), the heart and soul of the network, is an operating system that provides network computers with network communication and network resource sharing capabilities. It is a collection of software that manages the entire network resources and facilitates network users. Because the network operating system is running on the server, we sometimes call it the server operating system.

Network operating systems and single-user operating systems running on workstations (such as Windows 98, etc.) or multi-user operating systems differ depending on the type of service provided. Under normal circumstances, the network operating system aims to optimize the network-related features. Such as sharing data files, software applications, and shared hard drives, printers, modems, scanners, and fax machines. The general computer operating system, such as DOS and OS/2, etc., aims to provide the best interaction between the user and the system and various applications running on the operating system.

Currently, the following types of network operating systems exist in the LAN:
The Windows class is no stranger to anyone who believes that these operating systems have used computers. This is the development of Microsoft (Microsoft), the world's largest software developer. Microsoft's Windows system not only has an absolute advantage in personal operating systems, it also has a very strong power in the network operating system. This kind of operating system configuration is the most common in the entire LAN configuration, but because of its high hardware requirements for the server, and the stability is not very high, so Microsoft's network operating system is generally only used in middle and low-end servers, high-end servers Usually use non-Windows operating systems such as UNIX, LINUX or Solairs. In the local area network, Microsoft's network operating systems mainly include: Windows NT 4.0 Server, Windows 2000 Server/Advance Server, and the latest Windows 2003 Server/Advance Server. The workstation system can use any Windows or non-Windows operating system, including individuals. Operating system, such as Windows 9x/ME/XP.

In the entire Windows network operating system is the most successful or to calculate the Windows NT4.0 this set of systems, it is almost a standard operating system for small and medium-sized enterprises LAN, one is that it inherits the Windows family unified interface, enabling users It is easier to learn and use. Moreover, its function is indeed quite strong, and it can basically satisfy all network requirements of all small and medium-sized enterprises. Although much less functional than the Windows 2000/2003 Server system, its hardware configuration requirements for the server are much lower, and it can more satisfy the PC server configuration requirements of many small and medium enterprises.

2.NetWare class
Although the NetWare operating system is far less glorious than it was in the early years, it has already lost the momentum of the dominant player in the LAN. However, the NetWare operating system is still subject to low requirements for network hardware (workstations can be as long as 286 machines). The medium and small enterprises with relatively backward equipment, especially schools, are very popular. People still forgot about its advantages in the formation of diskless workstations, but also forgotten that it has no excessive demand for generosity. And because it is compatible with DOS commands, its application environment is similar to DOS. After a long time of development, it has quite a lot of application software support, and the technology is perfect and reliable. Currently used versions are 3.11, 3.12 and 4.10, V4.11, V5.0 and other Chinese and English versions. NetWare servers have better support for diskless stations and games, and are often used in teaching networks and game rooms. At present, this kind of operating system has a decreasing market share. This part of the market is mainly divided by Windows NT/2000 and Linux systems.

3. UNIX systems Currently used versions of UNIX systems include: UNIX SUR 4.0, HP-UX 11.0, and Solaris Solaris 8.0. Supports network file system services, provides data, and other applications, and is powerful, introduced by AT&T and SCO. This kind of network operating system has very good stability and security performance, but because it is mostly operated by commands, it is not easy to grasp, especially for beginners. Because of this, small LANs do not use UNIX as a network operating system. UNIX is generally used in large-scale websites or large-scale enterprise and enterprise LANs. UNIX network operating system has a long history. Its good network management function has been accepted by the majority of network users, and has a wealth of application software support. The current UNIX network operating system versions are: AT&T and SCO's UNIXSVR3.2, SVR4.0, and SVR4.2. UNIX is an operating system developed for the minicomputer host environment. It is a centralized time-sharing multi-user architecture. Due to its unreasonable architecture, UNIX's market share is declining.

4.Linux
This is a new type of network operating system. Its biggest feature is that the source code is open and many applications can be obtained for free. There are also Chinese versions of Linux, such as REDHAT (Red Hat) and Red Flag Linux. It has been fully affirmed by users in China, mainly in terms of its security and stability. It has many similarities with UNIX. However, such operating systems are currently still mainly used in medium and high-end servers.

In general, support for a specific computing environment makes each operating system suitable for its own workplace, which is the system's support for a specific computing environment. For example, Windows 2000 Professional is suitable for desktop computers, Linux is currently suitable for small networks, and Windows 2000 Server and UNIX are suitable for large server applications. Therefore, for different network applications, we need to purposefully select the appropriate network operating system.