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The first PCs were designed as
standalone desktop systems. The operating system (OS) software
allowed one user at a time to access files and system resources.
The user had physical access to the PC. As PC-based computer
networks gained popularity in the workplace, software companies
developed specialized network operating systems (NOS). Developers
designed NOS to provide file security, user privileges, and
resource sharing among multiple users. The explosive growth of the
Internet compelled developers to build the NOS of today around
Internet-related technologies and services like the World Wide
Web.
Within a decade,
networking has become of central importance to desktop computing.
The distinction between modern desktop operating systems, now
loaded with networking features and services, and their NOS
counterparts has blurred. Now, most popular operating systems,
such as Microsoft Windows 2000 and Linux, are found on
high-powered network servers and on the desktops of end users.
Knowledge of different
operating systems will ensure that the correct operating system
is selected to offer all the necessary services. UNIX,
Linux, Mac OS X, and several Windows operating systems will be
introduced.
Effective management of LANs and WANs is the key element to
maintaining a productive environment in the networking world. As
more services become available to more users, the performance of
networks suffer. Network administrators, through constant
monitoring, must recognize and be able to rectify problems before
they become noticeable to the end users.
Various tools and protocols are
available to monitor the network on a local and remote basis. A
comprehensive understanding of these tools is critical to
effective network management.
Students completing this module should be able to:
- Identify several potential
functions of a workstation
- Identify several potential
functions of a server
- Describe the roles of equipment
in a client/server environment
- Describe the differences between
a Networking Operating System (NOS) and a traditional operating
system
- List several Windows operating
systems and their features
- List several alternatives to the
Windows operating systems and their features
- Describe several functions of a
server
- Identify network management
tools
- Identify the driving forces
behind network management
- Describe the OSI and network
management model
- Describe SNMP and CMIP
- Describe how management software
gathers information and records problems
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