Networking operating systems

Abstract

A networking operating system is one which allows hosts to intercommunicate using operating system support. Thus, networking is built into the operating system, and not just an add-on. Many early versions of operating systems from Microsoft, including DOS and Microsoft Windows Version 3, had networking as an add-on to the operating system, thus proved un-reliable and difficult to setup. Recent versions of Microsoft Windows have successfully integrated networking, and also support mixed, or hybrid networks. The most successful networking operating systems are:

• • Microsoft Windows. The de-facto standard PC operating system which supports many applications. It supports a client/server architecture and also peer-to-peer architecture. Windows NT/2000 provides a robust networking technology.

• • Novell Net Ware. A PC-based system which provides an excellent file server support and a print server. It has been enhanced to provide corporate networks using NDS.

• • UNIX. A robust and well-tested networking operating system which supports most of the industry-standard protocols. UNIX tends to run on high-powered workstations.