What is a network operating system?

A Network Operating System (NOS) is specialized software that manages network resources and enables computers to communicate, share files, and access devices over a network. Unlike a standard operating system, a NOS provides additional features such as user management, security, and network services to support multi-user environments. Examples include Microsoft Windows Server, Linux distributions like Ubuntu Server, and Cisco IOS. Network Operating Systems are essential for businesses and organizations that require centralized administration and efficient resource sharing across multiple devices.