Network Operating System –
These systems runs on a server and provides the capability to manage data, users, groups, security, applications, and other networking functions. These type of operating systems allows shared access of files, printers, security, applications, and other networking functions over a small private network. One more important aspect of Network Operating Systems is that all the users are well aware of the underlying configuration, of all other users within the network, their individual connections etc. and that’s why these computers are popularly known as tightly coupled systems.

Advantages of Network Operating System:

Highly stable centralized servers

Security concerns are handled through servers

New technologies and hardware up-gradation are easily integrated to the system

Server access are possible remotely from different locations and types of systems

Disadvantages of Network Operating System:

Servers are costly

User has to depend on central location for most operations

Maintenance and updates are required regularly

Examples of Network Operating System are: Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Microsoft Windows Server 2008, UNIX, Linux, Mac OS X, Novell NetWare, and BSD etc.