Network Operating System for Week 3

Hear thee, hear thee.. :)

Hey, I'm back..now, the post is about our 3rd class for this course..I will tell you about Network Operating System ( NOS ) and also about the in-class presentation that we have to do on that day. Seriously, I do not expected any presentation on that day, but never mind, it already finished and it went out great..hehe..three cheers for me and my group, HIP,HIP,HIP..HOORAY...HOORAY...HOORAY..!! :)

Network Operating System

Okay, we are done with the cheering stuff, now to get serious.. First, I will tell you about Network Operating System ( NOS ). What is meant by NOS?

NOS is the software that runs on a server and enables the server to manage data, users, groups, security, applications, and other networking functions. The network operating system is designed to allow shared file and printer access among multiple computers in a network, typically a local area network (LAN), a private network or to other networks. The most popular network operating systems are Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Microsoft Windows Server 2008, UNIX, Linux, Mac OS X, and Novell NetWare.

So, that is the meaning and the functions of NOS. Now, I will tell about the types of NOS. There are two types of NOS; peer-to-peer and client/server types.

A short video on peer-to-peer and client/server networks

Peer-to-Peer :

In a peer-to-peer network operating system users are allowed to share resources and files located on their computers and access shared resources from others. This system is not based with having a file server or centralized management source. A peer-to-peer network sets all connected computers equal; they all share the same abilities to utilize resources available on the network.

Examples:
AppleShare used for networking connecting Apple products.
Windows for Workgroups used for networking peer-to-peer windows computers.

Advantages:
1) Ease of setup.
2) Less hardware needed, no server needs to be purchased.

Disadvantages:
1) No central location for storage.
2) Lack of security that a client/server type offers.


Client/Server :

Client/server network operating systems allow the network to centralize functions and applications in one or more dedicated file servers. The server is the center of the system, allowing access to resources and instituting security. The network operating system provides the mechanism to integrate all the components on a network to allow multiple users to simultaneously share the same resources regardless of physical location.

Examples:
Novell Netware
Windows Server

Advantages:
1) Centralized servers are more stable.
2) Security is provided through the server.
3) New technology and hardware can be easily integrated into the system.
4) Servers are able to be accessed remotely from different locations and types of systems.

Disadvantages:
1) Cost of buying and running a server are high.
2) Dependence on a central location for operation.
3) Requires regular maintenance and updates.

Okay, I think that is all about NOS types, functions, advantages and disadvantages. So, here, I also want to tell about our unexpected in-class presentation :)

My group have five peoples including me, my friends, Nazrin, Khai, Mamat and Anuar are such a big help in my group especially Nazrin. :) Our lecturer, En. Razak told us to pick our own topic and then, we took "Gateways" as our topic for the presentation. We found it is really hard to find information on gateways, so hard, but we tried our best and finally the presentation slide is done. YEAY..!!!! :)

This is the video on how to find IP address for your gateways, hope it help :)

A network gateway is an internetworking system capable of joining together two networks that use different base protocols. A network gateway can be implemented completely in software, completely in hardware, or as a combination of both. Depending on the types of protocols they support, network gateways can operate at any level of the OSI model. Because a network gateway, by definition, appears at the edge of a network, related capabilities like firewalls tend to be integrated with it. On home networks, a broadband router typically serves as the network gateway although ordinary computers can also be configured to perform equivalent functions.

Advantages :

1) Can translate information between different networks data formats or network architecture.
2) Most gateways operate at the application layer.
3) Can also be operated on network or session layer.


Disadvantages :

1. Gateways require greater processing limits due to protocol conversion.
2. They are slower than other network devices.
3. Installation and configuration of Gateway is more difficult, therefore requires special technicians.
4. It is more expensive than other devices.

Okay, I'm done. That all for now, see all of you in my next post. Do check in often, okay? Hope all of the blog entry notes will help all of you in understanding more on telecommunication & networking, okay? Thank you :)