Network Operating Systems
What runs on a network's servers?
- Define a network operating system (NOS)
- List common NOS features
- Name two example network operating systems
Overview
A regular desktop OS runs one user's apps. A network operating system adds the services that many users share — logins, files, printers, DHCP, DNS, email. It is what turns a computer into a server.
What an NOS does
User accounts and permissions, shared file storage, print sharing, network configuration (DHCP), name resolution (DNS), email (SMTP/IMAP), monitoring and backups.
Examples
Windows Server (Active Directory) is the most common in schools and offices. Linux-based servers (Ubuntu Server, Debian, Red Hat) run most of the Internet's back-end. macOS Server, NetWare, Unix — all historical or niche today.
A day with an NOS
A student logs in — the NOS checks the password against Active Directory. It maps their home folder from the file server, gives them permissions to the shared drive, and lets them print to the staff printer. All invisible to the student — but nothing works without the NOS running underneath.
Tour of a Server
- Watch a demonstration of a Windows Server or Ubuntu Server dashboard.
- Note three services the teacher shows (e.g. users, shared folder, DHCP).
- Write a short paragraph on why the school would collapse without one of them.
- Give three services a NOS typically provides.
Reveal answer
User accounts, shared files, printing (also DHCP, DNS, email, backups).
- What does DHCP do?
Reveal answer
Automatically assigns IP addresses to devices when they join the network.
- Name one Linux-based server distribution.
Reveal answer
Ubuntu Server (or Debian, Red Hat, CentOS).
Which NOS does your school run? Ask the ICT teacher. Draw one diagram showing three services it provides.