Chapter 14: Network Operating Systems
Overview
This chapter introduces the major operating systems to the student. Deep knowledge of
each operating system is not required. Instead, the student should have a good grasp of
the features and faults of each system so good recommendations can be made to clients.
Remind the students that as they enter the business world, it is important that they keep
up with new releases of operating systems, especially the new features and benefits.
Teaching Suggestions
An instructor or teacher could spend half the semester on this chapter. Each operating
system is interesting in itself. The students will most likely show great interest if the
operating system is available to demonstrate or to manipulate. I keep discussion of each
system on the broad but shallow side. Encourage interested students to read more if they
have the time.
If hardware and software permit, I set up a box with UNIX, a version of NetWare later
than 4.1, Windows NT and/or Windows 2000, and Macintosh. If students can “play” with
the operating system, all the better. To create a great lab setting, allow the students to set
up several computers with one or two of the operating systems. For instance, you might
have half the class install Windows 2000 and half the class install NetWare 5.1. If time
permits, demonstrate how the GSNW service allows access to NetWare resources. Help
them to configure TCP/IP on both operating systems.
Another good lab concerns the access to resources. If you have the spare computers, set
up one or two workstations. Set permissions/rights on the Windows and NetWare servers
in a demonstration. Then allow the workstation users to use the resources. Change the
permissions to demonstrate to what limitations the workstation users can be restricted.
I usually build a Windows NT or Windows 2000 server right in class, followed by a
NetWare server. The installation processes are very different, and this gives the students
a true comparison of the two systems.
Hardware and Software Requirements
This chapter cannot be taught without operating system demonstrations. Therefore, at
least one computer with 256MB RAM, 10GB of free disk space, and at least a Pentium
III processor is recommended. You will also need the network operating system (s)
source files for installation.