A network operating system is an OS that has built-in capabilities for working with computer networks. Such peculiar features may include:
- various support for network equipment and network protocol ;
- Configuring support for the routing protocol and filtering network traffic,
- the presence in this system of network services that would allow remote users to use the resources of this computer.
Network operating systems are an example of such shells:
- Novell NetWare
- Many GNU / Linux systems.
- Microsoft Windows (95, NT and later).
- Many UNIX systems, such as Solaris, FreeBSD.
- IOS ZyNOS by ZyXEL.
The main tasks of system operating systems are the separation of network resources (for example, disk spaces) and its administration. Using network functions, the system administrator defines shared resources, sets passwords, determines access rights for each user or group of users.
Operating systems, an example of which is given above, are divided into:
- network OS for servers;
- network OS for users.
There are special operating systems of this type, which are given the functions of typical designs (Windows NT) and simple operating systems (Windows XP), which are given network functions. Currently, almost always used OSs have integrated functions.
Network OS structure
Networked auto-operational concept is the basis for any computing system. Any computing device is independent in its work. As a result, a network OS in the modern sense means a complex of several individual PCs interacting with each other by sending information to each other and allocating resources according to general laws - protocols.
In a narrower sense, such operating systems, an example of which can be seen on most modern devices, are a set of programs installed on a computer that allow it to function in conjunction with other devices.
Features
Of particular note are a number of elements due to which an OS of this type can function:
- allocation of temporary memory for controlling processors in multiprocessor devices;
- ability to manage remote computers.
In other words, the ability to provide their resources and information in a single use are an integral element of a network OS. In addition, operating systems, examples of which were considered above, without fail include functions:
- locking files and records (which is necessary when devices are shared);
- Network resource name directories management
- processing access requests to the file system and various information in a remote form;
- managing the sequence of requests from remote users to their own devices.
Compound elements
Means of requesting access to remote resources and the possibility of their application are a client element of the OS, called a redirector. This element identifies and redirects requests to the network to remote resources from users and various applications. In this case, the request comes from the application in a local form, and goes to the network in a different format that matches the server conditions.
The client part, in addition, receives responses from other servers and modifies them into local formats. Therefore, remote and local requests are perceived by applications the same way.
Network operating systems, the operation example of which is described above, also have communication tools that provide information exchange in the network. These tools guarantee the addressing and buffering of incoming notifications, the selection of the transmission route in the message network, transmission security, etc. In other words, this element is responsible for the transportation of information in the network.
Based on the functions available in a particular computer, its OS may not have a server or client component.
First Generation Network Operating Systems Examples
The first network operating systems looked like a complex of the existing local OS and network shell as an add-on above it. In this case, the local OS had a minimal number of network functions, since the shell was directly involved in their implementation. The most famous system of this type, which became widespread around the world, was MS DOS. Starting with the third distribution of this shell, it has such integrated functions, as well as blocking records and files, required for the purpose of general access to files. The same ubiquitous operation principle has the modern ubiquitous network OS - LANtastic and PersonalWare.
Modern stages of development
However, the most promising way is to develop network operating systems, originally specialized for launching on the network. The functions of such shells are deeply integrated into their key system modules, which ensures their logical coherence, ease of operation and updating, as well as good efficiency. Today, many resources are allocated specifically to improve such operating systems. Examples of this type of program are various Microsoft Windows NT distributions.