Network operating systems, abbreviated NOS, are programs designed to work with many computers on a network, allowing communication between them, but "the term Network operating system, however, is generally reserved for software that enhances a basic operating system by adding networking features”[5]. The NOS provides structure to the network because it controls the hardware and software within a network. The network operating system makes it possible to include all network components and allow multiple users to share files with each other over the network, regardless of their physical location [1]. There are two main types of network operating systems, and you have several different operating systems to choose from, each of which works differently. A network operating system typically contains a menu-based administration interface. From this interface, the network administrator can carry out a certain number of tasks. “He or she uses the interface to format hard drives, configure security permissions, and establish login information for each user. An administrator can also use a network operating system interface to identify shared printers and configure the system to automatically back up data on a scheduled basis” [2]. The first type of network operating system is peer to peer. The operating system of a peer to peer network allows network users to access files contained on their computers as well as files shared on other computers. “You can configure computers in peer-to-peer workgroups to enable sharing of files, printers, and other resources across devices. Peer networks make it easy to share data back and forth, whether for uploads to your computer or uploads...... middle of paper...... or print server, as well as an application server, and Microsoft created the desktop and server editions of Windows NT [6]. Microsoft even offers a version for small businesses with 25 users or fewer called Microsoft BackOffice for Small Business that includes Windows NT Server, as well as Microsoft Internet Information Server for web services, Microsoft Exchange Server to support email and Microsoft SQL server for database applications [6 ]Works cited[1] http://fcit.usf.edu/network/chap6/chap6.htm[2] http://www.wisegeek.org/what- is-a-network-operating-system.htm[3] http://compnetworking.about.com/od/basicnetworkingfa9s/a/peer-to-peer.htm[4] http://compnetworking.about.com/ od/basicnetworkingfa9s/ a/ cI ie nt -se rver . htm[5] http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/N/networkoperatingsystemNOS.html[6] http://www.networkcomputing.com/netdesign/soho6.html