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Network OS vs distributed OS

Short answer

A network OS runs on each node separately, users access remote resources explicitly (e.g., remote login), with little transparency. A distributed OS manages multiple computers as a single system, providing location transparency, process migration, global resource management, and high fault tolerance.

Differentiate between network operating system and distributed operating system.

A network operating system (NOS) runs on each computer of a network and lets users access remote resources explicitly (for example by logging in remotely or mounting a shared folder). A distributed operating system (DOS) manages a group of computers as one single system, so users see only one machine.

PointNetwork OSDistributed OS
Image to userMany separate machinesSingle system image
TransparencyLittle; user knows the location of resourcesHigh: location, migration, replication transparency
AutonomyEach node has its own OS and works independentlyNodes cooperate under one global OS
Resource managementLocal, per machineGlobal, with automatic load balancing
Process migrationNot supportedSupported
File accessExplicit (ftp, rlogin, mount)Same naming for local and remote files
Fault toleranceLow; failure of server affects its usersHigh; work moves to another node
HeterogeneityCan handle different OSsUsually needs the same OS or kernel on all nodes
Complexity and costSimple, cheapComplex, harder to design
ExamplesWindows Server, Unix with NFS, Novell NetWareAmoeba, Mach, Sprite, Plan 9

In short, a NOS adds networking to ordinary operating systems, while a DOS replaces them with a global system.

✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)

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