The reason for using a network operating system on a computer is to provide services to client computers that would be difficult or costly to otherwise provide. These services include file sharing, access to printers, access to databases, access to other networks such as the Internet (WAN - Wide Area Network), backing up of files and data
File Sharing - Files are stored on a central computer and users can access them at their own computers. Web servers and OPACs are examples of this type of use.
Printer Sharing - A printer can be connected to the server and be accessed by any user on the network including a user who is accessing the network remotely through a telephone line or the Internet. Many printers already come equipped with printer sharing software built in to the printer. These printers can be shared without being connected to any computer.
Database Access - Databases of information (including such resources as encyclopedias) are stored on the server so that everyone on the network can access them. A network license is required.
Access to a WAN - A server can provide access to other networks such as the Internet by managing communications between the local network and the external network. This type of server is often called a proxy server.
Backup files and data - All of the documents on each userís computer are copied to the backup server. If something happens to the users computer, their files are available. The backup server may also store the files on magnetic tape for added security.