Network Operating Systems

Every PC must have a Network Operating System, such as Windows, Linux, or Novell, to connect to a network. The Network Operating System controls communication between a PC's applications and the network at large. Network commands are redirected from a user's PC to the network where they are received and acted upon by other PCs. A Network Operating System may handle disk activities, electronic mail, video-conferencing, and network printing. Some popular network operating systems include Windows .NET, XP, Windows 2000, Windows ME, Windows 98, Windows 95, Windows NT, LANtastic, UNIX/Linux, and NetWare.

When a Network Operating System sends or receives data, it breaks the data down into packets by a method called a protocol. Windows NT uses the IPX/SPX, NetBEUI, and TCP/IP protocols for network communication. Netware uses IPX/SPX. UNIX, Linux, and the Internet all use TCP/IP. While different protocols usually cannot talk directly with each other, most Network Operating Software can understand more than one protocol. For example, NT can understand TCP/IP and IPX/SPX, so NT computers can work with NetWare and UNIX/Linux networks.

Microsoft Windows .NET, 2000 Server, NT

Windows .NET, 2000, NT is a very popular NOS. It is a multitasking, 32-bit operating system equipped with advanced security and support capabilities. Also, NT is used in both peer-to-peer as well as client-server networks.

Microsoft Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows 2000 Professional, and Windows XP

The most prevalent PC operating system on the market, Windows is a user-friendly and feature-rich OS that is an ideal choice for peer-to-peer networks. Windows 98 has more advanced networking support than Windows 95, but both are widely used today. Windows XP will soon become a common networking operating system like its preceding versions.