Differentiate between the terms “Network Operating System” & “Distributed Operating

System”. Explain in detail. You are also advice to make use of relevant diagrams. (25
Marks)
A network operating system (NOS) is an operating system designed for the sole
purpose of supporting workstations, database sharing, application sharing and file and
printer access sharing among multiple computers in a network.

Certain standalone operating systems, such as Microsoft Windows NT and Digital’s

OpenVMS, come with multipurpose capabilities and can also act as network operating
systems. Some of the most well-known network operating systems include Microsoft
Windows Server 2003, Microsoft Windows Server 2008, Linux and Mac OS X.

There are two types of network operating systems namely:

1. Peer-to-peer is a network operating system which allows users to share

resources and files located on their computers and to access shared resources
found on other computers.

In a peer-to-peer network, all computers are considered equal; they all have the
same privileges to use the resources available on the network. Peer-to-peer
networks are designed primarily for small to medium local area networks.
Windows for Workgroups is an example of the program that can function as peer-
to-peer network operating systems.

2. Client /Server is a network operating system which allows the network to

centralize functions and applications in one or more dedicated file servers. The
file servers become the heart of the system, providing access to resources and
providing security. The workstations (clients) have access to the resources
available on the file servers. The network operating system allows multiple users
to simultaneously share the same resources irrespective of physical location.
Examples of client /server network operating systems are: Novell Netware and
Windows 2000Server.

Distributed Operating System is a model where distributed applications are running

on multiple computers linked by communications. A distributed operating system is an
extension of the network operating system that supports higher levels of communication
and integration of the machines on the network. This system looks to its users like the
ordinary operating system but runs on multiple, independent central processing units
(CPUs). Some examples of distributed operating systems are Operating System, Linux
OX system, Distributed Computing and Short Notes, IRIX operating system which is the
 implementation of UNIX System V, Release 3 for Silicon Graphics multiprocessor
workstations, DYNIX operating system running on Sequent Symmetry multiprocessor
computers, AIX operating system for IBM RS/6000 computers, Solaris operating system
for SUN multiprocessor workstations, Mach/OS is a multithreading and multitasking
UNIX compatible operating system,  OSF/1 operating system developed by Open
Foundation Software: UNIX compatible.

Distributed Operating Systems are referred as loosely coupled systems where each
processor has its own local memory and processors communicate with one another
through various communication lines, such as high speed buses or telephone lines.

Loosely coupled systems are where computers possess no hardware connections at

the CPU - memory bus level, but are connected by external interfaces that run under
the control of software.

The below diagrams shows a Network Operating System and a Distributed Operating
System:

FEATURES OF A NETWORK
OPERATING SYSTEM AND A DISTRIBUTED OPERATING SYSTEM:

NETWORK OPERATING SYSTEM

User management and

Provide support for
support for logon and
processors, protocols, Provide Support
Provide security features such Provide file, print, logoff, remote access;
automatic hardware name and Internetworking
as authentication, logon web services and system management,
detection and support directory such as routing
restrictions and access control. back-up services. administration and
multi-processing of services. and WAN ports.
auditing tools with
applications.
graphical interfaces.
To conclude, we note that Network OS is used to manage Networked computer
systems and create, maintain and transfer files in that network and Distributed OS is
also similar to Distributed OS is also similar to Networked OS but in addition to it the
platform on which it is running should have high configuration such as more capacity
RAM, High speed Processor.

The main difference between the DOS (Distributed Network System) and the NOS
(Network Operating System) is the transparent issue: that is: for NOS, users are aware
where resources are located and NOS is built on top of centralised operating system
and handles interfacing and coordination between local operating systems, and DOS
are designed to control and optimize operations and resources in
distributed system.