Q) Differentiate between Open-source and Proprietary Operating System,
Q) Explain fundamentals of Network Operating System.
A Network Operating System (NOS) is a specialized operating system designed to support and manage network
resources, enabling multiple computers to communicate, share data, and access shared resources (like printers, files,
and applications) over a network.
Key Characteristics
Feature Description
Multi-user Support Allows multiple users to access the system simultaneously
Resource Sharing Enables sharing of files, printers, and hardware across the network
Network Management Provides tools to monitor and manage network traffic and performance
Security Offers user authentication, access control, and data encryption
Centralized Administration Manages all network resources from a central server
Interoperability Supports communication between different OS platforms
Core Components
1. Kernel
2. Network Protocols
3. File System
4. Security Module
5. Directory Services
6. Network Services
Architecture of NOS
Types of Network Operating Systems
1. Peer-to-Peer NOS
Each computer acts as both client and server
Resources are shared directly between machines
Suitable for small networks (home/small office)
Example: Windows for Workgroups
2. Client-Server NOS
A dedicated central server manages all resources
Clients request services from the server
Scalable and secure — ideal for large organizations
Examples: Windows Server, Linux Server (Ubuntu Server), Novell NetWare
Functions of a Network Operating System
Function Description
User Management Create, modify, delete user accounts and assign permissions
File & Resource Sharing Share files, folders, printers across the network
Network Communication Facilitate data exchange using protocols like TCP/IP
Process Management Schedule and manage processes across networked nodes
Security Management Enforce access control, firewalls, and encryption
Backup & Recovery Automate data backup and restore operations
Performance Monitoring Track bandwidth usage, server load, and network health
Remote Access Allow users to connect to the network from remote locations
Popular Network Operating Systems
Windows Server
Ubuntu Server
Q) Explain Architecture and functions of Mobile Operating System.
A Mobile Operating System (Mobile OS) is a software platform designed specifically to run on mobile devices such as
smartphones, tablets, and wearables. It manages hardware resources and provides an environment for mobile
applications to run.
Architecture of Mobile OS
Mobile OS follows a layered architecture with 4 main layers:
1. Hardware Layer The physical components of the device — CPU, RAM, storage, camera, sensors, battery,
and touchscreen that the OS manages and controls.
2. Kernel Layer The core of the OS that directly interacts with hardware. It handles process management,
memory management, device drivers, power management, and security.
3. Libraries & Runtime Layer Contains system libraries (SQLite, OpenGL, WebKit) and runtime
environments (ART for Android, Swift Runtime for iOS) needed to execute applications.
4. Application Framework Layer Provides APIs and services to developers such as Activity Manager,
Window Manager, Location Manager, and Notification Manager.
5. Applications Layer The topmost layer where users interact — includes native apps (Phone, Camera,
Settings) and third-party apps (WhatsApp, Games).
Functions of Mobile OS
Function Description
Process Management Schedules and manages running applications
Memory Management Allocates RAM dynamically to apps
Security Management App sandboxing, encryption, biometric authentication
Power Management Optimizes battery usage and controls charging
Communication Management Manages Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4G/5G, and GPS