Chapter 11: Network Operating Systems: A Comparison

Overview

sys*tem n : a connection of parts designed to function together

As you learned in Chapter 9, 'Network Models,' the client-server architecture uses a dedicated server. A server is a computer that provides a variety of services to clients. Services can include e-mail and providing access to files, databases, or other applications. The factors that determine the capabilities of the server depend on the software that is selected. The network operating system is software that runs on the server and makes centralized services, described above, possible.

In the world of networking, you have many operating systems to choose from. Some factors to consider when choosing a network operating system include price, function, interoperability, the skill set required to manage the software, existing applications, hardware and software requirements, and personal preference. In this chapter, you will learn about some of the major network operating systems, which include:

• Windows NT 4 Server

• Windows 2000 Server

• Windows Server 2003

• NetWare

• Unix

• Linux