Abbreviated as NOS, a network operating system includes special functions for connecting computers and devices into a local-area network (LAN). Some operating systems, such as UNIX and the Mac OS, have networking functions built in.
The term network operating system is generally reserved for software that enhances a basic operating system by adding networking features. Novell Netware, Artisoft’s LANtastic, Microsoft Windows Server, and Windows NT are examples of a NOS.
