A networking operating system (NOS), also referred to as the Dialoguer,[1] is the software that runs on a server and enables the server to manage data, users, groups, security, applications, and other networking functions.[2] The network operating system is designed to allow shared file and printer access among multiple computers in a network, typically a local area network (LAN), a private network or to other networks. The most popular network operating systems are Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Microsoft Windows Server 2008, UNIX, Linux, Mac OS X, and Novell NetWare.
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Network Operating Systems are based on a client/server architecture in which a server enables multiple clients to share resources.[2]
The Network Operating System can also do the following:
Network Operating Systems (NOS) are embedded in a router or hardware firewall that operates the functions in the network layer (layer 3) of the OSI model.[1]
In a Peer-to-peer network operating system users are allowed to share resources and files located on their computers and access shared resources from others. This system is not based with having a file server or centralized management source. A peer-to-peer network sets all connected computers equal; they all share the same abilities to utilize resources available on the network.[3]
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Client/server network operating systems allow the network to centralize functions and applications in one or more dedicated file servers. The server is the center of the system, allowing access to resources and instituting security. The network operating system provides the mechanism to integrate all the components on a network to allow multiple users to simultaneously share the same resources regardless of physical location.[3][4]
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