Low-Cost Network Operating Systems
Zero-Slot Network Operating Systems
Most low-cost network operating systems differ
Zero-slot network operating systems are
from full-featured systems only in the maximum
appropriate only for networks with very few users and
number of users accommodated on the network and
Light usage. They are an inexpensive and simple
the number of security levels incorporated into the
alternative to the NOSs that require expensive
operating system. In general, they are much lower in
network interface cards. Rather than requiring each
cost and are easier to install and use. Examples of
workstation computer to have a NIC, the computer’s
low-cost systems are STARLAN, ARCnet, 10Net, and
RS-232 serial communications port and twisted-pair
LANtastic.
cables are used. Because of this, they are very slow
and offer limited file transfer abilities. They may not
provide disk sharing. An example of a zero-slot
system is LANLink.
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