Network+operating+systems+and+utility+software

Network Operation system
Also known as NOS or the Dialoguer are operating systems embedded onto a network which is used to control, manage, and ensure that the flow of data on a network is efficient and secure. Depending on the type of network and the functions that network serves, the NOS is accordingly adjusted to make sure that all data is managed on a small scale usually a LAN (Local Area Network). Some of the tasks that a Dialoguer might do are: (all the points below are sourced from wikipedia)
 * Centrally manage network resources, such as programs, data and devices.
 * Secure access to a network.
 * Allow remote users to connect to a network.
 * Allow users to connect to other networks like the Internet.
 * Back up data and ensure its availability.
 * Allow for simple additions of clientsand resources.
 * Monitor the status and functionality of network elements.
 * Distribute programs and software updates to clients.
 * Ensure efficient use of a server's capabilities.

There are primarily two types of NOS that are in use today,
 * 1) P2P- Is the most common use however not used in business, it offers a fast way to share information among users where each user has the data stored on their computer so data can be downloaded from multiple locations. It's easy to set up and doesn't require any installation of specific hardware or software. However some disadvantages of this Dialoguer is that the data is not centralised in one location and there is a lack of security in comparison to other NOS.
 * 2) Client/Server- is a way all data is centralized in one server where multiple people can access the data at one time. There is also much more security embedded into the server since all the data is one location so it is monitored closely. It can also be updated far more frequiently and with much more ease in comparison to P2P Moreover it is far more stable but since all data is stored in one location it is prone to complete data loss. However Client/Servers are much more expensive and requires regular maintenance.

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This software is used on computers and are usually for people who are more technologically advanced in terms of operating their computers. It focuses primarily on interaction with hardware and is used as 'support' software to help improve the infrastructure of a computer's operation. Some examples of utility software are listed below: (all the bullet points bellow are from wikipedia)=====


 * **[|Anti-virus]**utilities scan for computer viruses.
 * **[|Backup]** utilities can make a copy of all information stored on a disk, and restore either the entire disk (e.g. in an event of [|disk failure]) or selected files (e.g. in an event of accidental deletion).
 * **[|Data compression]**utilities output a shorter stream or a smaller file when provided with a stream or file.
 * **[|Disk checkers]**can scan the contents of a hard disk to find files or areas that are corrupted in some way, or were not correctly saved, and eliminate them for a more efficiently operating hard drive.
 * **[|Disk cleaners]** can find files that are unnecessary to computer operation, or take up considerable amounts of space. Disk cleaner helps the [|user] to decide what to [|delete]when their hard disk is full.
 * **[|Disk compression]** utilities can transparently [|compress]/uncompress the contents of a disk, increasing the capacity of the disk.
 * **[|Disk defragmenters]** can detect [|computer files] whose contents are broken across several locations on the [|hard disk], and move the fragments to one location to increase efficiency.
 * **[|Disk partitions]**can divide an individual drive into multiple logical drives, each with its own file system which can be mounted by the operating system and treated as an individual drive.
 * **[|Disk space analyzers]**for the visualization of disk space usage by getting the size for each folder (including sub folders) & files in folder or drive. showing the distribution of the used space.
 * **[|Disk storage]**utilities
 * **[|Archive]**utilities output a stream or a single file when provided with a directory or a set of files. Archive utilities, unlike archive suites, usually do not include compression or encryption capabilities. Some archive utilities may even have a separate un-archive utility for the reverse operation.
 * **[|File managers]**provide a convenient method of performing routine data management tasks, such as deleting, renaming, cataloging, uncataloging, moving, copying, merging, generating and modifying data sets.
 * **[|Cryptographic]**utilities encrypt and decrypt streams and files.
 * **[|Hex editors]**directly modify the text or data of a file. These files could be data or an actual program.
 * **[|Memory testers]**check for memory failures.
 * **[|Network utilities]**analyze the computer's network connectivity, configure network settings, check data transfer or log events.
 * **[|Registry cleaners]** clean and optimize the [|Windows registry]by removing old registry keys that are no longer in use.
 * **[|Screensavers]** were desired to prevent [|phosphor burn-in] on [|CRT] and plasma [|computer monitors]by blanking the screen or filling it with moving images or patterns when the computer is not in use. Contemporary screensavers are used primarily for entertainment or security.
 * **[|System monitors]**for monitoring resources and performance in a computer system.
 * **[|System profilers]** provide detailed information about the software installed and hardware attached to the computer.