Capterra Glossary
Network Operating System
A network operating system (NOS) is the software or tool used to create a user interface for a local area network (LAN). A LAN connects devices together in a network without the need to connect to the internet. The NOS becomes the central hub for these devices. Without a NOS, LANs may not have the functionality of a true network. Some operating systems (such as Linux, for example) offer free services to set up a NOS. Others may offer apps and services to make a NOS more user-friendly or easier to set up.
What Small and Midsize Businesses Need to Know About Network Operating System
An effective NOS is usually created and managed by a skilled network administrator. This can provide small businesses with a higher level of security than simply linking computers together and going online. Network servers and a NOS are usually essential for businesses with five or more employees.
Related Terms
- Synchronous
- Software as a Service (SaaS)
- Intranet
- Security Orchestration, Automation and Response (SOAR)
- Identity and Access Management (IAM)
- Managed Service Provider (MSP)
- Haptics
- WAN (Wide-Area Network)
- Service-oriented Architecture (SOA)
- Augmented Reality (AR)
- Chief Information Officer (CIO)
- Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
- Platform as a Service (PaaS)
- Service-Level Agreement (SLA)
- Scalability
- Data Center
- Authorization
- Multitenancy