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.
Contributor(s): Peter Van Egmond
This was last updated in February 2007
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