Network Software

Networks are often described as a system of layers. At the bottom level is the physical layer, which consists of the network hardware we have been describing. On top of the physical layer are 6 layers of software.

Network Operating Systems
Some operating systems have built-in networking cabability. Unix, for instance, has supported networking from the early stages. However, Microsoft DOS and early versions of Windows did not have built-in support for networking.

A network operating system (NOS) adds networking capabilities to another operating system. Novell's Netware is the leading network operating system, providing the means for sharing printers and storage devices, communicating over the network, and managing user accounts.

Because recent versions of Windows (NT and later) have included extensive networking capabilities, many predicted that Novell Netware would no longer be necessary. However, Novell Netware still remains well-established in the arena of local-area networking.

This chapter was written by Jeff Nyhoff and Joel Adams. Copy editing by Nancy Zylstra
©2002 Calvin University (formerly Calvin College), All Rights Reserved

If you encounter technical errors, contact computing@calvin.edu.