Definition: A NOS is a network operating system. A network operating system implements protocol stacks as well as device drivers for networking hardware. Some network operating systems, like Windows 98 Second Edition, also add custom networking features like Internet Connection Sharing (ICS).
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Network operating systems have existed for more than thirty years. The UNIX® operating system was designed from the beginning to support networking. In its early forms, Windows did not support networking, so Novell NetWare became the first popular network operating system for the personal computer (Windows 95 and Windows for Workgroups were Microsoft's first network operating system products). Today, nearly any consumer operating system qualifies as a NOS due to the popularity of the Internet and the obvious need to support Internet Protocol (IP) networking at a minimum.
Also Known As: network operating system
Related Resources:
Network Operating System Directory
Resource listings for Windows, NetWare, Linux, Macintosh, OS/2, and other network operating systems.
