This chapter dealt with NOSs. Network Operating Systems aren't that different at their core than a workstation OS – they're a framework that allows a collection of useful programs to be run and also a way of coordinating the transfer of resources around a network. A server can be configured to divide users into groups with different sets of privileges and access to different programs and batches of data, they can function as “super-routers” that can direct network traffic in sophisticated ways, and they can also provide monitoring, reporting, security services, and the like.
While other ones are out there, there are 3 primary flavors of NOS: Windows, UNIX, and Linux. Windows is the entry of Microsoft in this arena, and is probably the most user-friendly of the three. It's equipped with a very nice, intuitive GUI. UNIX is available in both commercial and open-source varieties and has been around in one form or another almost as long as computers have. Linux is an open-source OS that started as an alternative to UNIX but has since branched and grown into its own product. All three are in heavy use in the modern world.
My strongest reaction to this chapter was a strong desire to install and play around with a NOS. I'm hoping to get the chance soon – I'd like to make my home network a bit more sophisticated.
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