Difference between Standalone and Network Operating System

An operating system is responsible for a computer's overall functionality. It handles various functions, including hardware device management, process and memory management, system resource security, and various other important functions. There are various kinds of operating systems. Standalone and network OS are two of them.

In this article, you will learn the difference between the standalone and network operating system. But before discussing the differences, you must know about the standalone and network Operating systems.

What is the standalone operating system?

A standalone OS is an OS that runs on a device like a notebook, desktop computer, or laptop. A standalone operating system offers a complete functioning framework. Some examples of standalone operating systems include Mac OS, DOS, Windows 95, and Windows 2000 Professional.

DOS is a single-user OS with both a CLI and a menu-driven interface. MAC OS is a GUI-based OS intended for the Macintosh series of personal computer systems. Windows 2000 Professional, Windows 7, and Windows 10 are multitasking OS with GUIs. They are intended for power users and business users. Furthermore, they are safe, secure, and stable OS.

Features of Standalone Operating System

There are various features of the Standalone operating system. Some features of the Standalone operating system are as follows:

1. These OSs operate completely independently of a computer system or mobile device network.
2. It ensures that OS tasks may be performed on the device.

What is the network operating system?

The network OS is an OS that operates on the server. It helps to enable the server to handle data, groups, users, and security and offers various features to the connected devices. It is sometimes known as a server operating system. The primary goal of using a network OS is to enable devices to share data and access resources like printers through a LAN, a private network, and other networks. Network OS include Microsoft Windows Server 2003, 2008, UNIX, and Linux.

It makes the server more safe, secure, and stable. The network operating system implements many protocols via the network and ensures that network functionalities are properly implemented. One disadvantage of the network operating system is that it is tightly connected to the network. Integrating the latest technologies and hardware into the computer system is also simpler. However, these types of operating systems are very expensive and need constant maintenance and updating.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Network Operating System

There are various advantages and disadvantages of a network OS. Some of the advantages and disadvantages are as follows:

Advantages

1. It has highly stable and centralized servers.
2. Its security concerns are handled by the servers.
3. It is easily adaptable to new technologies, upgrades, and hardware.

Disadvantages

1. The cost of network operating systems is relatively high.
2. It requires regular maintenance and updates.

Key differences between the standalone and network operating system

There are various key differences between the standalone and the network operating systems. Some differences of the standalone and network operating system:

1. A standalone OS is an OS that operates on desktop systems and other portable devices. On the other hand, the network OS is an OS that runs on connected devices and provides network-based functionality.
2. A standalone OS enables a single user to control and acquire services from the device simultaneously. In contrast, a network OS enables users to manage data, users, groups, and other network-related functions.
3. Some examples of standalone OS are DOS, Windows 95, Mac OS, and Windows 2000 professional. On the other hand, some examples of the network OS are Microsoft Windows Server 2003, 2008, Mac OS X, Novell NetWare, UNIX, Linux, and BSD.

Head-to-head comparison between the standalone operating system and network operating system

There are various head-to-head comparisons between the standalone and network operating system. Some of them are as follows: