What is network operating system (NOS)? - Definition from Whatis.com

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network operating system (NOS)

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network operating system (NOS)

A network operating system (NOS) is a computer operating system system that is designed primarily to support workstation, personal computer, and, in some instances, older terminal that are connected on a local area network (LAN). Artisoft's LANtastic, Banyan VINES, Novell's NetWare, and Microsoft's LAN Manager are examples of network operating systems. In addition, some multi-purpose operating systems, such as Windows NT and Digital's OpenVMS come with capabilities that enable them to be described as a network operating system.

A network operating system provides printer sharing, common file system and database sharing, application sharing, and the ability to manage a network name directory, security, and other housekeeping aspects of a network.

Related glossary terms: system administrator (sysadmin), Internet, keystone jack, corporate area network (CAN), home server, LANDesk Client Manager (LDCM), HomeRF (home radio frequency), Zmodem protocol, 32-bit IP addressing, bus network

Contributor(s): Peter Van Egmond

This was last updated in November 1999

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