Network Software

Network Software

Introduction:

In this blog post, I will be explaining what network software in general is and why it is used for what purposes:

• Network Software (NOS)
• Connection Software

Network Software (NOS):

The NOS (also refers to ‘Network Operating System’) is essentially a computer platform in conjunction with servers, giving it ultimate access and controllability over the network in general – allowing computers and devices to connect to the network - LAN in most cases, (see figure 1).

Main examples include well known network software’s such as Microsoft Windows’ server domain control (where similar devices within the same network have an identical address like a MAC address for easier controllability). In addition to this, it usually contains components including greater processor, hard drive storage disk space, improved wireless/wired cards and wireless/wired adapter for sufficient and substantial amount of internet bandwidth.

Despite its beneficial yet expensive components, it can handle tasks and perform other services such as managing the printer, files, and databases and give a specific amount of access to the internet/browser for devices. This is because it is a server that executes management. An example of this is when the user is required to log in when they use a computer; this is to connect to the network to access files which the network operating system runs e.g. databases.

Figure 1: NOS (LAN)

Network Connection Software:

The NCS (referred to as ‘Network Connection Software’ or a client) is a software that provides the connection to access services the NOS (Network Operating System) runs, such as its printer control and management, (see figure 2). It is like an assistant that can access the settings. Examples of NCS are its access privileges to files, databases, web servers, and even email servers hosted by Google Mail.

This is also beneficial to the main operating system of the network because it can reduce the impact of the physical network itself as it can help carry out other tasks. Furthermore, this makes it efficient and therefore results in a good data flow, with minimal data collision. You can almost consider network connection software’s similar to operating systems, however this is dependent on how much access it is administered prior. This is because the clients allow connections for the access of services by the NOS.

Figure 2: NCS (Printer Management)

Harvard Referencing: (In order of reference)
- Anderson, K. Atkinson-Beaumont, D.Kaye, A. Lawson, J. McGill, R. Phillips, J and Richardson, D. 2011. Information Technology Level 3 Book 1 BTEC National. Harlow: Pearson Education Limited. P.304.
- Figure 1: teach-ict, n.d. A LAN. [Online] Available at: <http://www.teach-ict.com/images/a_lan.jpg> [Accessed 20 January 2015].
- Figure 2: res2.windows.microsoft, n.d. Microsoft Windows Network Connection Software Management. [Online] Available at: <http://res2.windows.microsoft.com/resbox/en/windows%207/main/eeaf834f-12b1-47c9-a3e4-5fbfc053ef3f_66.jpg> [Accessed 20 January 2015].

Bibliography: (In order of alphabet):
- webopedia, 2015. NOS – Network Operating System. [Online] Available at: <http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/N/network_operating_system_NOS.html> [Accessed 20 January 2015].
- ehow, 2015. Networking Software. [Online] Available at: <http://www.ehow.com/about_5507248_networking-software.html> [Accessed 20 January 2015].