Title: 1.3 Network Operating Systems
Course: Information and Communication Technology: Module B > Section: Section 1 - Telecommunications and Network Basics

1.3.1 Network Operating Systems

A network operating system allows users and devices to interconnect. It basically integrates all the components on a network and allow multiple users to simultaneously share the same resources regardless of their physical location.

 The early versions of Windows and Apple did not provide any computer networking functionality. Microsoft was the first company to add simple networking functionality into its operating system, starting with Windows for Workgroups and Windows 95.  Apple added networking capability with OS version 9. From the start, Unix was designed with built-in network functionality. Today's operating systems all provide network functionality.

Network support is either:

- peer-to-peer
- client/server
- mobile

The task of maintaining and adapting the network to changing conditions belongs to whoever owns the network. Professionally, this role falls to the network administrators and support personnel. It's also one of our tasks as home or school network users. Responsibilities include setting up accounts, services, monitoring traffic, and troubleshooting.

Modern operating systems have built-in software that simplifies networking—for instance, OS software is used to implement TCP/ IP protocol. This includes the necessary device drivers and programs to enable a device's interface. Mobile devices also provide the software needed to enable wireless connectivity. Since modern networks are based on standard TCP/IP, different OSs can communicate and share information.

1.3.2 Operating Systems

In a peer-to-peer (P2P) network or workgroup, the networked computers act as equal partners, or peers. As peers, each computer can function as either a client or a server with each user controlling the function of their device. They may decide to share specific folders or individual files with others on the network. They may or may not require passwords for access.

Two computers typically communicate with each other by using request and response protocols. The requester takes on the role of the client, and the responder takes on the role of the server. Early computer systems like Windows for Workgroups or Windows 98 and Mac OS using Appleshare were among the first to allow peer-to-peer networking.

Small local area networks (LANs) commonly use peer-to-peer networking, particularly home networks. Both wired and wireless home networks can be configured as peer-to-peer environments. All devices in a peer-to-peer network must use the same networking protocols to communicate. Peer networks are also often located near each other, typically in homes, small businesses or schools. A peer-to-peer network works well with a small number of computers—usually ten or less. However, some peer networks are geographically dispersed worldwide and use the Internet to communicate.

Internet-based P2P networks quickly became popular in the 1990s as P2P file sharing networks like Napster were developed. Technically, many P2P networks (including the original Napster) are not pure peer networks, but rather hybrid designs as they utilize web-based servers for some functions such as search. You can configure computers in peer-to-peer workgroups to allow sharing of files, printers and other resources across all devices.

1.3.3 Operating Systems

Some computers always take the role of server to manage resources, share files, manage security, and provide services to all other computers on the network. This is known as a client/server network or a domain. It wasn’t until Windows 2000 and Mac OSX that the use of domains became readily available for home computing. Domains are usually found in business and professional applications.

In a client/server network arrangement, network servers are dedicated computers that respond to network attached client requests. Network servers house print, file, security, and other services and respond to attached network client requests.

The client/server model has become one of the central ideas of network computing. Most business applications being written today use the client/server model, along with the Internet's main application protocols, such as HTTP, SMTP, Telnet, and DNS.

Types of clients include:

- web browsers
- E-mail clients
- online chat clients
- workstations

Types of servers include:

- web servers
- FTP servers
- application servers
- database servers
- name servers
- mail servers
- file servers
- print servers
- terminal servers

Advantages of the client/server model:

- Centralized servers are more stable.
- Security is provided through the server.
- Additional software and hardware can be more easily integrated into the system.
- Servers can be accessed remotely from different locations and types of systems.
- Backups are easier to perform since data is stored in one central location.

Disadvantages of the client/server model:

- Costs of buying and running a server are high.
- Paying a network administrator to run the network can be costly.
- A central location is essential for operation.
- Regular maintenance and updates are necessary.

1.3.4 Operating Systems

A mobile operating system controls a mobile device like a smartphone or tablet.

In the same way that a Linux, Apple, or Windows operating system controls your desktop or laptop computer, a mobile operating system is the software platform that allows other programs to run on mobile devices.

Examples of mobile device operating systems include Apple iOS, Google Android, Research in Motion’s BlackBerry OS, and Microsoft’s Windows Phone OS. Some, such as Microsoft’s Windows 8, function as both a traditional desktop OS and a mobile operating system.

When you purchase a mobile device, by default you are accepting whatever operating system the manufacturer chose for that specific device. Before purchasing a mobile device,  you should make sure that it is compatible with, and supports, the mobile applications you want to use.