Network Administration

TOPIC TITLE: Network Operating System and Network Service

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES:
At the end of the topic session, the students are expected to:
Cognitive :
1.
2.
3.
4.
Affective:
1.
2.

Describe what network operating system (NOS) is.

Identify the types of NOS.
Compare the different types of NOS.
Explain the different network services.

Actively participate in group activities and discussions.

Attentively listen and observe to the teachers lectures and
demonstrations.

MATERIALS/EQUIPMENTS:
1. OHP
2. Topic Slides
TOPIC PREPARATION:
1. Review on Network Operating System and Network
Service.
TOPIC PRESENTATION:
The topic will revolve around Network Operating System. Discussions
will include the types of network operating system (NOS) and
comparison among the different NOS.
This will be the suggested flow of discussion.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Network Operating System and Network Servic

Conduct Quiz #1. It should be taken at most 30 mins.

Describe the network operating system (NOS),
Discuss the different types of network operating system.
Compare the different NOS.
Discuss the NOS functionalities.
Discuss the different network services.

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What is Network Operating System

What is Network Operating

System
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Network Operating System

Network Operating System (NOS)

is an enhanced OS that allows
computer connectivity and let
users utilize the network services .
Network OS rely on a special
machine, a server, to manage
resources and provide services.

Network Operating System is a special OS that is used to allow

computer stations to be connected and let users access and utilize the
network services.
These additional features not found in standard
operating system are additional programs that extend the capabilities of
the OS. Nowadays, operating systems such as Windows XP, Windows
Vista, various UNIX and Linux flavors and Mac OS can be classified as
NOS as they allow interconnection of computer stations.
It is really difficult for a network administrator to decide what NOS to use
for server, client and peer computers.
Like for servers, NOS is very
important because it executes critical services over the network.

[What is
Network
Operatin
g Syste Network OS Platforms
Network OS Platforms m, Pag
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These are the popular network OS platforms:
2]
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Windows

Unix

Network OS Platforms
Linux

Two Major Platforms:

Novell
Windows

Known for its Graphical User Interface

Mac OS X
(GUI) environment wherein users utilizes

the point-and-click mechanism of

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navigating the computer software.

Windows 98
Windows NT
Windows 2000
Windows XP
Windows Vista
Servers
Windows NT
Windows 2000
Windows 2003

UNIX

Known for its Command Line Interface

(CLI) wherein users are expected to
remember commands that allows them
to navigate the computer software.
Sun Solaris
Hewlett-Packard HP-AUX
IBM AIX

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NetworkOperatingSystemandNetworkService
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The two major platforms for network OS are Windows and Unix.
Windows is known for its Graphical User Interface (GUI) environment.
GUI utilizes the point-and-click mechanism of navigating the computer
software. At present Microsoft Windows dominates the market on the
desktop environment. Its dominance commenced with Windows 95 and
continued to Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows 2000 Professional,
Windows XP and until the most recent Windows Vista.
Windows NT 3.1 is the first version of Microsoft's Windows NT line of
server and business desktop operating systems.
Windows 95 is a GUI-based operating system. It integrates the then
Microsoft's separates MS-DOS and Windows products and includes an
enhanced version of DOS, referred to as MS-DOS 7.0. It features
significant improvements over its predecessor, Windows 3.1.
Windows 98 is the upgrade for Windows 95 featured with significant
updates, fixes and support for new peripherals. It was the first OS to
use the Windows Driver Model (WDM).
Windows ME stands for Windows Millenium is an upgrade for Windows
98. Its release is intended for home PC users. Windows ME contains
updates and fixes not found in Windows 98.It included Internet
Explorer 5.5, Windows Media Player 7, and the new Windows Movie
Maker software, which provided basic video editing and was designed
to be easy for home users.

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Windows 2000 Professional is an upgrade of Windows NT because it

is based on Windows NT kernel. It has added features such as support
for high-speed networking devices, encrypted file systems, support for
USB for greater bandwidth devices and much more. It is designed to
work with either uniprocessor or symmetric multi-processor computers.
Microsoft Windows XP is short for Windows Experienced and is
designed for users who may not be familiar with Windows. Windows XP
is known for its improved stability and efficiency over the 9x versions of
Microsoft Windows. It includes a significantly upgraded graphical user
interface, a change Microsoft promoted as more user-friendly than
previous versions of Windows.
Microsoft Windows Vista is an upgrade to Microsoft Windows XP and
Windows 2000 users. Windows Vista contains a new look for users
used to previous versions of Microsoft Windows that has been designed
to help create an overall better experience. It has an updated graphical
user interface and visual style dubbed Windows Aero, improved
searching features, new multimedia creation tools such as Windows
DVD Maker, and redesigned networking, audio, print, and display subsystems. Vista also aims to increase the level of communication
between machines on a home network, using peer-to-peer technology
for simple file sharing and digital media between computers and
devices.
However, Microsoft is not as dominating in the server market scene.
Only about one-fourth of the market share of computer networks use
Windows as its NOS platform. Windows server variants include
Windows NT, Windows 2000 Server, and Windows 2003 Servers.
Windows NT is an advanced operating system with advanced security
features, advanced network support, advanced multitasking and user
administration.
Windows 2000 Server contains significant features such as improved
Active Directory, transaction services and provides high-level interfaces
for database access and Active Directory services.
Windows 2003 Server is also an upgrade of Windows 2000.
On the other hand, UNIX is better known for its Command Line
Interface (CLI). In this environment, users are expected to remember
commands that allows them to navigate or control the computer
software. UNIX dominates the server market. Before Linux, branded
UNIX was very expensive. UNIX flavors such as Suns Solaris, Hewlett
Packards HP-UX and IBMs AIX provided a more stable platform but
were very costly. This is the main reason why users at home and in the
office use Windows.
Sun Solaris also known as Sun is the name of the Sun company's Unix
variant operating system that was originally installed on SPARC
computers. These are widely used as Internet Servers.
AIX short for Advanced Interactive eXecutive is an implementation of
Unix derived from both AT&T Unix System V and 4.3 BSD. AIX is
primarily designed for medium to large scale servers and mainframes.
HP-UX serves as the foundation for mission-critical applications and IT
services over the Internet.
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Windows is definitely easier to use than UNIX. Windows is userfriendly as compared to UNIX where you need to memorize commands
and parameters to operate the computer.

Network OS Platforms
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Network OS Platforms
Linux
slowly becoming popular among
computer users because it is
inexpensive and provides a GUI
option for users. It runs mainly
on Intel platform.
Redhat
Mandrake
Novell
was the first LAN software
based on file-server technology.
Macintosh OS (MAC OS)
is considered to be the easiest
to use of all GUIs. Apple
Macintosh latest release of their
OS is MAC OS 10.3.

Another player in the NOS platform category is Novell with its Netware
system. Novell Netware was the first LAN software based on file-server
technology. Until early to mid 1990s, Netware is the king of PC LAN
network OS. Novell Netware required very little memory in a day when
DOS had a limit of 640KB. It is very fast and efficient even on low-end
equipment.
Novell networks rely on a set of underlying low-level network protocols
called
IPX/SPX
(Internet
Packet
eXchange/Sequenced
Packet
eXchange). These protocols operate well with either Ethernet or tokenring networks and are supported by almost all routers and other network
equipment. Netware is not totally obsolete. Its dominance has slowly
diminished but it is still a decent option as file and print servers.

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Linux on the other hand, slowly becoming popular among computer
users because it is inexpensive and provides a GUI option for users. It
runs mainly on Intel platform. Some Linux flavors are Redhat,
Mandrake and etc.
Red Hat Linux a variant of Linux was first
introduced in 1994 and today is a commercially available at an
affordable price. Its non-commercial version can be downloaded for
free.

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Macintosh OS is considered to be the easiest to use of all GUIs. Apple

Macintosh latest release of their OS is MAC OS 10.3. It includes new
and unique features not found in any other operating system.
There are many factors to consider when choosing which platform to
use in a computer network. As a network administrator, the decision is
typically between a Windows environment and a UNIX environment.
For most network administrators, the primary consideration is however
the cost of the network from acquisition to maintenance.
[Network OS Platforms, Pages 2-3 of 12]
Comparison of Network Operating System

Comparison of Network
Operatng System
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Comparison of NOS
WINDOWS
User-friendly
Hardware peripherals are easily
attached
More applications are available
Support is highly available
Hardware is affordable
Application software is
expensive as license fees are
required
Frequent system crashes and
restarts
Difficult to manage tasks or
processes
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Windows

UNIX (Variants)
With GUI option, it is user-friendly

Difficult to attach non-standard peripherals

Applications are difficult to find

Support is limited

Hardware is expensive

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User-friendly
Hardware peripherals are easily attached
More applications are available
Support is highly available
Hardware is affordable
Application software is expensive as license fees are required
Frequent system crashes and restarts
Difficult to manage tasks or processes

OS license is free for servers and clients

Systems are stable

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Comparison of Network
Operatng System
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Secure and processes are easily identified and managed

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Comparison of NOS

UNIX (Branded)
With GUI option, it is userfriendly
Difficult to attach non-standard
peripherals
Applications are difficult to find
Support is limited
Hardware is expensive
OS license is free for servers
and clients
Systems are stable
Secure and processes are easily
identified and managed

Linux(Variants)
With GUI option, it is user-friendly

Several hardware peripherals are easily attached

Applications are becoming available

Support is limited

Hardware is expensive

OS license is free for servers and clients

Systems are stable

Secure and processes are easily identified and managed

Novell

Very full featured, ability to add users, assign rights to users,

easy to setup printer sharing
Very fast and efficient even on low-end equipment
Very high performance

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NetworkOperatingSystemandNetworkService

Comparison of Network
Operatng System
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Comparison of NOS

MAC OS

For Apple Macintosh computers only

User friendly
Hardware is expensive
Software is expensive

Linux
With GUI option, it is userfriendly
Several hardware peripherals
are easily attached
Applications are becoming
available
Support is limited
Hardware is expensive
OS license is free for servers
and clients
Systems are stable
Secure and processes are easily
identified and managed

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NetworkOperatingSystemandNetworkService

Comparison of Network
Operatng System
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Comparison of NOS

Novell
Very full featured, ability to add
users, assign rights to users,
easy to setup printer sharing
Very fast and efficient even on
low-end equipment
Very high performance
Macintosh OS
For Apple Macintosh computers
only
User friendly
Hardware is expensive
Software is expensive

[Comparison of Network Operating System, Pages 4-7 of 12]

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Network Operating System Functions

Network Operating System

Functions
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A LAN OS provides a variety of special functionalities.

are I/O optimization and fault tolerance.

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Network Operating System

Functions
A LAN OS provides a variety of special
functionalities. Among these are:
I/O optimization
Improves the performance of the
server in file access service.
One technique is Disk Seek
Enhancement which arranges the
requests in order so the read/write
heads move accurately over the
disk and reading data from the
nearest location
Fault tolerance
allows the server to survive some
failures that would ordinarily be
disabling

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Network Operating System

Functions
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Network Operating System

Functions

Other functions of network OS:

File sharing
Printer sharing
Application sharing
Access control
User/Resource accounting
Backup/Restore of attached
devices

NetworkOperatingSystemandNetworkService

Optmized I/O
One of the main services provided by server is file access. Optimizing
this task or I/O optimization improves the performance of the server.
One of the I.O optimization technique is disk seek enhancement. A
disk read requires that the read/write heads be positioned to the proper
disk location. The act of moving the read/write heads is called seek.
The place to which the heads are moved is called a cylinder or track.
Disk requests typically arrive in random order and disk seek
enhancement arranges the requests in order so the read/write heads
move accurately over the disk and reading data from the nearest
location.
Fault Tolerance
A LAN with fault tolerance allows the server to survive some failures
that would ordinarily be disabling. Fault tolerance usually is provided
by a combination of backup hardware components and software that is
capable of using the backup hardware.
The lowest level of fault
tolerance is the ability to recover quickly from a failure.
Other functions of network OS are:
File sharing

Printer sharing

Application sharing

Access control

User/Resource accounting

Backup/Restore of attached devices

[Network Organization, Pages 8-9 of 12]

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Network Service

Network Service
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A service is the function that the server provides. A service may

be built on several servers that work in conjunction
with on
e
another.

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Network Service
Network Service
The function that the server
provides.
Can be built on several servers
that work in conjunction with
one another.

Classifications Of Network Services:

End-User Applications
Utility Applications

NetworkOperatingSystemandNetworkService

Among these

Providing a service involves not only putting together the hardware

and software but also making the service reliable, scaling the services
growth, and monitoring, maintaining, and supporting it. A service is
not truly a service until it meets these basic requirements.
One
of the fundamental duties
of network administrator is to
provide customers with the services they need. Customers needs
will evolve as their jobs and technologies evolve. As a result, an
network administrator spends a considerable amount
of time
designing and building new services.

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In computer networking, there are two classifications of

services namely End-user applications and Utility applications.

Network Service
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End-user applications are the services that the user can directly work
with.

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Network Service

End-User Applications
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)
Is a simple protocol and works fine
without HTML for transporting nonhypertext data.
SMTP (Simple Message Transfer Protocol)
Includes procedures on how email
messages are exchanged between
mail servers.
TELNET
Used for accessing remote hosts.
FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
An internet standard for
transferring files between hosts.
LDP (Line Printer Daemon)
Allows a computer host to send
print jobs to IP-based network
printers
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to text li
ne displays.
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HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) - WWW information

retrieval, accounting for over one half of all Internet activity.
HTTP is an Upper Layer application and uses the TCP wellknown port 80 to create a connection between a Web client, for
example, Explorer or Netscape, and the Web server. A client
using the early version of HTTP simply sent a request
messages to a HTTP server and received a response message
and the connection was automatically closed. HTTP is a simple
protocol and works fine without HTML for transporting nonhypertext data, but without HTML browsers would be restricted
SMTP (Simple Message Transfer Protocol) - Electronic mail
capability.
The Internet standard for sending email messages from an

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email client to the mail server is called the Simple Mail Transfer
Protocol (SMTP). The protocol also includes procedures on
how email messages are exchanged between mail servers.
This Internet standard is specified in RFC 2821: Simple Mail
Transfer Protocol.

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Network Service
Utility Applications
SNMP (Simple Network Management
Protocol)
allows the management of a
computer network in an efficient
manner
BOOTP (Boot Protocol)/DHCP (Dynamic
Host Configuration Protocol)
Provides remote loading and
configuration capability for diskless
workstations.

TELNET - A remote logon capability.

Telnet is an Internet standard protocol used for accessing
remote hosts. The standard is specified in RFC 854: Telnet
Protocol Specification. Specified within the standard is the
procedure for gaining access to a remote terminal. Telnet
requires a reliable transport protocol and uses TCP port number
23.

DNS (Domain Name Service)

Provides directory assistance for IP
addresses using local (symbolic)
names
The process of translating a name
to an IP address is known as name
resolution.
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FTP (File Transfer Protocol) - A reliable file transfer capability.

FTP is an Internet standard for transferring files between hosts.
The standard is specified in RFC 959 File Transfer Protocol.
Using TCP as its transport protocol, FTP is said to be a reliable
protocol that allows users to upload or download a file from an
FTP server. The FTP server listens to TCP port numbers 20
and 21.

LDP (Line Printer Daemon) Allows printing to IP-based

printers
Line Printer Daemon (LPD) is an IP-based protocol that allows
a computer host to send print jobs to IP-based network printers.
It is also referred to as Line Printer Remote (LPR) so that in
some reference materials the term LPD and LPR are used
interchangeably.

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Utility applications are network services that are indirectly being used by
end-users. Most of the time, the use of these types of applications is
triggered by an end-user application.

SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) - Provides

network management information.
Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is an Internet
standard that allows the management of a computer network in
an efficient manner.

BOOTP (Boot Protocol)/DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration

Protocol) - Provides remote loading and configuration capability
for diskless workstations.

DNS (Domain Name Service) - Provides directory assistance

for IP addresses using local (symbolic) names.
The Domain Name Service (DNS) is an Internet standard used
to translate a human-friendly domain name or hostname to its
machine-friendly equivalent the IP address. This process of
translating a name to an IP address is known as name
resolution.

Details of above mentioned network services will be discussed in

succeeding sessions.
[Network Services, Pages 10-12 of 12]
EVALUATION/GENERALIZATION
Review Questions:
1. What is Network Operating System?
2. Explain why the Windows platform is more popular to desktop
users and why more servers are installed with the UNIX
platform.
3. Compare the different NOS platforms.
4. Identify the different network services.

REFERENCES
1.
2.
3.

Burgess, M., (2004), Principles of system & network

administration (2nd ed), Wiley Publishing
Burke, J. R., (2004), Network management concept and
practice, Prentice Hall
Whittal, H., (2004), Network Administration, Shuttleworth
Foundation

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