Unlike operating systems, such as Windows, that are designed for single users to control one computer, network operating systems (NOS) coordinate the activities of multiple computers across a network. The network operating system acts as a director to keep the network running smoothly.

What operating system is used for a network?

Operating systems now use networks to make peer-to-peer connections and also connections to servers for access to file systems and print servers. The three most widely used operating systems are MS-DOS, Microsoft Windows and UNIX.

How does an operating system manage devices?

The OS uses programs called device drivers to manage connections with peripherals. A device driver: handles the translation of requests between a device and the computer. defines where a process must put outgoing data before it can be sent, and where incoming messages will be stored when they are received.