Fundamentals of Network Operating System - C - Language

1. Explain advantages of Computer Network ?

• • Speed: The  files  can be transferred from one Computer to another instantly. 
• • Cost: Application software(Network version)  can be installed on one Computer and accessed by  other  Computers on  the Network.  This makes maintenance and upgrading of  software easy.
• • Security: The information on the computer can bemade available only through password.Further  some information can  be  made available only for reading and not copying. 
• • Resource sharing:  Expensive  peripheral devices can be shared by  many  users in  a network. 
• • Easy access:   Users  can access information  from  any  computer that is  available on the network.  They need go  to a specific  Computer  which  may be located in a different building or different location  to  retrieve information from  their account.

2.  Explain different types of Computer networks ?
The different types of Computer networks are

• •  LAN-Local  area  Network is networking of  Computers  ia  a  network in a smaller physical  area like a home,office or small  group of buildings.  The  advantage of  LAN is high data  transfer  rate,  sharing of  resources like  printers,files and other applications. The Computers  are connected using cables. 
• •  MAN-A Metropolitan are Network  is a  network of computers within a  city or  metropolitan area.  It is  an  extended LAN. They use fibre  optic cables for faster data transmission. A MAN supports  both data and voice. Cable televisions are examples for  MAN. 
• •  Wide area Network-Wide area Networks connect computers in  larger geographical areas . The  computers are  connected using satellite  links, under sea cables or long distance telecommunication links.  Security of  data is  high.It  supports remote accessing. Internet services are typical example of WAN

3. Explain Network  services ?

• •  File Services-All the data files of an organisation are stored in  one place  and can be shared by many users.  Files can be organised and updated systematically.  
• •  Print Services- When  Printers  available on  the Network ,  multiple  users can print to the same printer. The network printers   are usually faster and more capable.  They may have accessories such  as  envelope readers or multiple paper trays 
• •  Database Services-Multiple users can  have access to the database at the same time. The Database software  ensures integrity of data  and  provides   multiple access. 
• •  Message  Services-The  services include  Electronic mail,  voice mail, remote access,document transfers across the internet. 
• •  Application services- several software  applications that  are developed using network architecture.  The applications can be made available to  multiple users.  Any up gradation made to these applications is also instantly  available to the users.

5. Write short notes on Client-Server networking ?
Client -server networks consist of  servers and clients.  Server  is  a powerful Computer using advanced network operating system and  clients(works tation) access data  stored in servers. Server can host e-mail, store common  data files  and other applications needed  by the  client. The server  also validates any   user who tries  to login and denies access to network  resources as  well as client software to unauthorised users. Servers are mainly used for  centralised management of data and  resources. Advantages

• •  Data security  and resources are  controlled through server. 
• •  Upgrading and replacement of  applications are done as needs increase, without changing the existing formats. 
• •  Clients can access the server  from remote locations. 
• •  Reduces cost  of client’s  computer 
• •  New technologies(object oriented programming)can be integrated easily  ,as and when the need arises. 

Limitations (Disadvantages)

• •  Initial investment  may be expensive 
• •  Maintenance will  require  staff  who must ensure  efficient operations 
• •  If the  server breaks down  , the operations of client processes may stop.

6. Explain peer-peer networking ?
In a peer-peer network ,there  are  no  dedicated servers. All Computers are equal, and therefore termed as peer-peer.  Each Computer  functions both as a  client and a server. No single Computer holds the control of  entire network.  The users are located in the same area and security is not  an important issue.  All the users can access  data and programs that reside on all the computers across the network without any restrictions. 
Advantages

• •  There is no need for dedicated  server.  Therefore less expensive. 
• •  A single user operating system such  as   windows-XP is  sufficient Disadvantages(Limitations) 
• •  There can be no security  as all computers can  be  accessed by all  users 
• •  A failure of a node in peer-peer network means the network  can no longer access data or applications  on that node. 
• •  The number  of Computers connected  are limited to 10 or 12

7.  Explain features of  Windows operating system ?
Windows  operating system is  GUI (graphical  user  interface)based Built in support for  multiple users  on a single PC Plug and play support for hardware User  friendly interface Uses device driver software for  easier  installation of  new hardware and software
Note  : to write  the features of windows NT(Network  operating system) same features  can be  high lighted.  In  addition to  this  the following points  may be added.

• •  Supports client-server applications 
• •  Management of networks

8.  Write functional overview of unix ?

• •  More than one  user  can  use the machine at the same time through different terminals 
• •  More than one  program can run at a time(multiprogramming) 
• •  Multiple tasks  can be  carried out  at the same time like printing, compiling(multitasking) 
• •  Portability of programs from  one  computer  to another 
• •  Wide range of support tools are available such as  debugging  tools,compilers and other  software. 
• • Hierarchial directory structure for maintenance of directories and files

9.  Discuss functional overview of Linux ?
Linux operating system  is  same  as unix. But linux is  graphical  user interface based system. The functions of  linux are

• •  More than one  user  can  use the machine at the same time through different terminals 
• •  More than one  progrm can run at a time(multiprogramming) 
• •  Multiple tasks  can be  carried out  at the same time like printing, compiling(multitasking) 
• •  Portability of programs from  one  computer  to another 
• •  Wide range of support tools are available such  as  debugging  tools,compilers and other software.