What is the Difference Between Stand Alone Operating System and Network Operating System

The main difference between stand alone operating system and network operating system is that a standalone operating system is an operating system that works on a desktop computer or some other portable device while a network operating system is an operating system that runs on a special device called a server.

An operating system controls the entire functionality of a computing device. It performs multiple tasks such as hardware device management, process, and memory management, securing the system resources and many other vital operations. There are different types of operating systems. Standalone operating system and network operating system are two of them.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is a Stand Alone Operating System
     – Definition, Functionality
2. What is a Network Operating System
     – Definition, Functionality
3. What is the Difference Between Stand Alone Operating System and Network Operating System
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Networking Operating System, Operating System, Server, Stand Alone Operating System

What is a Stand Alone Operating System

A standalone operating system is an operating system that works on devices such as notebook, desktop computer or a laptop. A stand alone operating system provides an entire working framework. DOS, Windows 95, Mac OS, and Windows 2000 professional are some examples for standalone operating systems. 

DOS is a single user operating system that has a command line interface and a menu-driven interface. However, it is not widely in use as it has no Graphical User Interface (GUI). MAC OS includes the Graphical User Interface based OS which is designed for the Macintosh series personal computers. Windows 2000 Professional, Windows 7 and 10 are multitasking operating systems with GUIs. They are designed for business and power users. Moreover, they are secure and stable operating systems.

What is a Network Operating System

A network operating system runs on a server. It allows the server to manage data, users, groups, security and provide facilities to connected devices. Sometimes, a network operating system is also considered as the server operating system. The main objective of using a network operating system is to allow the devices to share files and access resources such as printers via Local Area Network (LAN), a private network or some other network. Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Microsoft Windows Server 2008, UNIX, and Linux are some examples for network operating systems.

Network operating systems make the server more stable and secure. It is also easier to upgrade new technologies and hardware easily into the system. On the other hand, network operating systems are costly and require frequent maintenance and updating.

Difference Between Stand Alone Operating System and Network Operating System

Definition

A standalone operating system is an operating system that works in desktops and other various portable devices while a network operating system is a special operating system that provides network-based functionalities to the connected devices. Hence, this is the main difference between stand alone operating system and network operating system.

Functionality

Moreover, a standalone operating system allows a single user to operate the device and obtain services at a time. A network operating system, in contrast, allows the user to manage data, users, groups, and other network related functionalities. Thus, this is another difference between stand alone operating system and network operating system.

Examples

You can also understand the difference between stand alone operating system and network operating system better if you look at some examples of these two OSs.  DOS, Windows 95, Mac OS, Windows 2000 professional are some examples for standalone operating systems while Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Microsoft Windows Server 2008, UNIX, Linux, Mac OS X, Novell NetWare, and BSD are some examples for network operating systems.

Conclusion

The main difference between stand alone operating system and network operating system is that a standalone operating system is an operating system that works on a desktop computer or some other portable device while a network operating system is an operating system that runs on a special device called a server.

Reference:

1. “What Is a Standalone Operating System?” Reference, IAC Publishing, Available here.
2. Asjad, Sayam. “Types of Operating System.” LinkedIn SlideShare, 29 Apr. 2015, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Nos” By अरविंद धरेप्पा बगले – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “27046” (CC0) via Pixabay