Introduction

Network operating systems are some of the most powerful and complex software available today. This chapter looks at a number of operating systems that are widely used in today's network environments. Each network operating system has unique strengths and weaknesses, and each has its share of the competitive network operating system market. As a network administrator, it is your responsibility to maintain and manage these operating systems and ensure that they provide the network services they were designed to provide. Even though the Network+ exam does not require that you be an expert in the operating systems discussed in this chapter, a basic knowledge is required. For those who find themselves working with operating systems, further study is almost certainly warranted.

A network requires both a network operating system and client operating systems. This chapter outlines the characteristics of the client operating systems that are most commonly used today.

The information described in this chapter is not intended to provide a complete tutorial on any of the operating systems discussed. Rather, this chapter provides an overview of each operating system, along with information on commands used for setting up, installing, and configuring each operating system.