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Working with a network operating system

Computer networks are controlled by operating systems. Major network operating systems include NovellWare, Windows NT, OS / 2, Warp Unix. Windows 95, 98 operating systems have built-in networking tools.

 A network operating system allows users to copy files from one computer on a network to another, process data from one computer on the network to another, and in some cases add a program located in the memory of another computer.

 The use of computer networks allows you to:

 * independence of information processing from a particular computer;

 * elimination of the possibility of duplication of information due to storage on one PC of the network;

 * increase the reliability of information storage;

 * improving protection of information from unauthorized access;

 * Ability to exchange information quickly and without paperwork between departments and employees of the organization.

Computer networks can be classified according to the degree of regional distribution. They can be divided into wide area (global), regional (regional) and local (local) networks.

Computers connected to a local area network need special software to exchange information with each other.

Basically, the basic network software is part of the operating system or the operating system can be supplemented with appropriate software. An example of a networked operating system is Windows XP.

When working with a network, a computer can play two roles:

- If a computer receives information and services from other computers in the network, such computers are called workstations.

- If a computer transmits its information and services to other computers on the network, it is called a computer server.

The server offers a variety of services, the most common of which are:

- Storage and transfer of files (file server);

- Send to the printer (print server);

- Receiving and sending fax messages (fax server);

- Receipt, storage and transportation of e-mails (mail server);

- Hosting of sites (Web-server).

The services provided by the server are called services. Multiple services can be performed on one server.

To get the required service from the server, you need to run the corresponding program in the server operating system.

To work with server services, you need to run a program called a client from workstations.

Local networks with servers that provide client computers and services are called networks built on "client-server" technology. If computers have the same rights, this feature can be integrated with all computers on this network. A local area network consisting of a personal computer with equal rights is called a single-tier network.

Windows XP network operating system

Network features are included with the Windows XP operating system and only require configuration and activation.

If any services are active on your computer, you can access them from other computers on the network.

The operating system has a file access service and a printing service.

File service

The purpose of the file service is to provide the ability to read, modify, and create new files on another PC. When multiple users work on the same file, they can interfere with each other, so they are not allowed to read the file alone, ie change it. In this regard, the file service provides a mechanism that restricts access.

In Windows XP, customers can be given access to any unlimited number of packages (directories). In addition, each package has a unique name and is called a resource.

The mode of access to each resource is defined:

· Read only - information can be read, but it cannot be changed;

· Completely free access - information can be read or changed;

· Password access - you need to know the password to work with this resource.

Publishing service

In some cases, it is difficult to provide all computers with personal printers. In this case, a special computer is connected to the printer from the network, which allows you to print all the documents of the remaining customers on the network.

The print client and server are included in the Windows operating system and require configuration. To do this, you need to set up shared access to the printer on the server:

· Select Printers and Fax from the Start menu;

· Select the desired printer type;

· Select General Access from the File menu and check the General Access to this printer command.

To access this printer on all client computers, you must install it as a network printer. This is done by setting up a simple printer, you just need to select the Network Printer button in the appropriate Wizard window during setup.