Network OS and PC OS

[mattrix100]

Can someone please tell me the difference between a network operating system, and a standard operating system!

[Ethel]

If I understand you correctly and haven't got hold of the wrong end of the stick (again!) - the OS is usually a version of Windows and makes your computer do things.

The network operating system allows all the computers on the network to interact with each other and work together, sharing resources such as printers, scanners and files.

Hope that helps!

[josh.thomas]

Hey there!

From what I understand, a 'standard' or single-user Operating System operates one computer, for example, I have an Apple computer, and my OS is Mac OSX (A lot more people on here probably use Windows as their OS)

This OS is on a single computer, and controls only that computer, although it still allows network connections to other computers, even ones with different OS's installed.

A network OS, I think Linux is very commonly used, is installed on big, huge super-computers (Servers, as they are known) that many people on a huge network (A call centre in SKY TV or BT) access. Normally, each person at the desk normally has a Screen, Keyboard, and Mouse, all wired to one Server, that has one OS installed, that everyone can access at once, via their own screen.

I think thats correct, but please correct me if I am wrong!

[OBonio]

From Wikipedia :

Network operating system (NOS): Software that (a) controls a network and its message (e.g. packet) traffic and queues, (b) controls access by multiple users to network resources such as files, and (c) provides for certain administrative functions, including security.

A NOS is not the same as the networking tools provided by some existing OS's, Windows XP for instance. An NOS is an OS that has been specifically written to keep networks running at optimal performance.