Difference Between Network Operating System and Distributed Operating System

The main difference between network operating system and distributed operating system is that a network operating system provides network related functionalities while a distributed operating system connects multiple independent computers via a network to perform tasks similar to a single computer.

An operating system works as the interface between the user and the hardware. It controls the execution of programs and supports a variety of tasks. It performs file management, device handling, memory management, securing data and resources, controlling the system performance, processor handling and many more. Therefore, an operating system is an essential component of the computer system. There are various types of operating systems. Network operating system and distributed operating system are two of them.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is a Network Operating System
     – Definition, Usage
2. What is a Distributed Operating System
    – Definition, Usage
3. Difference Between Network Operating System and Distributed Operating System
   – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Network Operating System, Distributed Operating System, Local Area Network

What is a Network Operating System

Network operating systems run on a server and provides networking related functionality. It manages data, users, groups and provides security. These systems allow the users to exchange files, share devices such as printers among multiple devices in a network such as a Local Area Network (LAN), a private network, or some other network.

In these systems, the centralized server is very stable. It is easy to integrate new technologies and hardware to the system. Another key point is the server accessibility. It is possible to access it from a remote location for maintenance. However, it is expensive to establish and run the server. Furthermore, these systems require frequent updates and maintenance.

What is a Distributed Operating System

A distributed operating system contains multiple computers. These devices communicate with each other via a shared network. Each device is independent and consists of its own memory and CPU. The data processing task is distributed among the devices.

The main advantage of a distributed operating system is that it provides resource sharing. Therefore, a user can access a file or a software that is not available in his system but available in some other system through the network. It also allows fast data exchanging and these systems reduce data processing delays. Furthermore, distributed operating systems are reliable. If one system fails other systems still can function properly.

On the other hand, a failure in the network can affect the communication of the entire system. Moreover, these systems are expensive, complex and difficult to implement.

Difference Between Network Operating System and Distributed Operating System

Definition

A network operating system is a special operating system that provides network-based functionalities. A distributed operating system is an operating system that manages a group of distinct computers and makes them appear to be a single computer.

Usage

Network operating system helps to manage data, users, groups, security and other network related functionalities. A distributed operating system helps to share resources and collaborate via a shared network to accomplish tasks.

Examples

Artisoft’s LANtastic, Novell’s NetWare, and Microsoft’s LAN Manager are examples for network operating systems. LOCUS and MICROS are some examples for distributed operating systems.

Conclusion

An operating system is an interface between the user and the hardware. There are various types of operating systems. Two of them are network operating system and distributed operating system. The difference between network operating system and distributed operating system is that a network operating system provides network related functionalities while a distributed operating system connects multiple independent computers via a network to perform tasks similar to a single computer.

Reference:

1. “Types of Operating System.” Www.tutorialspoint.com, Tutorials Point, 8 Jan. 2018, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1.”Nos”By अरविंद धरेप्पा बगले – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia