Network Operating Systems

A network operating system (NOS) manages the network, its resources and users. It controls the flow of data between the devices on the network and controls the requests for data. It organises messages from nodes until the network is ready to process each message.

The tasks performed by a network operating system include:

administration—adds, removes and organises users; installs hardware devices and software applications; and carries out maintenance operations, such as backup

file management—gives users access to the remote hard disks on the server and provides a file system and the ability to manage a network directory

applications—handles requests from users to share data and applications

resource management—allows network devices, such as printers and modems, to be shared; assigns users to printers; and orders print jobs

security—monitors and restricts access to network resources.