Network Operating Systems

Just as a normal operating system (like Windows or Linux) controls the operations of an individual PC, a network needs to be managed by a network operating system (or NOS).

There are two main flavours of NOS: those that run centrally on a file server and those managed by the individual computers on the network.

The main names in centralised NOSs are Novell Netware and Microsoft NT Server.

These operating systems run on the file server: a central computer that controls and monitors the entire network. The NOS is responsible for "community actions" like: sending users' print jobs to the right printer in an orderly queue; allocating IP addresses so workstations have a unique identity on the Internet; letting users share resources stored centrally on the file server such as program files, documents and storage space ("home directories").

They also manage security to ensure that only users only get access to resources they are authorised to use. This is usually achieved by network logins and passwords.

Some computer operating systems such as Mac and Linux have networking abilities built into them so a dedicated NOS is not required. Windows has limited networking abilities in it to allow simple networking such as "peer to peer" in a trusting environment (like home and small offices) to allow file sharing and communal access to printers.

Recommended Hardware requirements for NetWare 6

• A server-class PC with 2 to 32 Pentium III 700Mhz or higher CPUs
• 512MB of RAM
• A Super VGA or higher resolution display adapter
• A DOS hard disk partition with 1GB of available space
• One or more network cards
• A bootable CD drive
• A USB, PS/2 or serial mouse