Network operating system

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A networking operating system is an operating system that contains components and programs that allow a computer on a network to serve requests from other computer for data and provide access to other resources such as printer and file systems.

Features

• Add, remove and manage users who wish to use resources on the network.
• Allow users to access to the data on the network. This data commonly resides on the server.
• Allow users to access data found on other network such as the internet.
• Allow users to access hardware connected to the network.
• Protect data and services located on the network.

Network operating system features may include:

• basic support for hardware ports
• security features such as authentication, authorization, login restrictions, and access control
• name services and directory services
• file, print, data storage, backup and replication services
• remote access
• system management
• network administration and auditing tools with graphic interfaces
• clustering capabilities
• fault tolerance and high availability

Examples

• JUNOS, used in routers and switches from Juniper Networks.
• Cisco IOS (formerly "Cisco Internetwork Operating System") is a NOS having a focus on the internetworking capabilities of network devices. It is used on Cisco Systems routers and some network switches.
• BSD, also used in many network servers.
• Linux
• Microsoft Windows Server
• Novell Netware

Misconception

Some device operating systems, including Mac OS X and all versions of Microsoft Windows since Windows 2000, include NOS features. A NOS is an OS that has been specifically written to implement and maintain networks.

See also

• Plan 9 from Bell Labs, a distributed operating system.
• Inferno, an operating system that can be hosted on other operating systems.

References

•  This article incorporates public domain material from the General Services Administration document "Federal Standard 1037C".

External links

• Network Operating Systems at the Open Directory Project

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