1.2 Overview of Computer Operating Systems
1.2.3 Network operating system capabilities
UNIX and most other modern network operating systems support advanced features such as:
  • Multiuser capability
  • Multitasking
  • Distributed processing

Multiuser capability enables more than one user to access the same resources thus providing support for many users simultaneously. The operating system keeps track of each resource, such as CPU, RAM, hard disk and printers and allows them to be shared. Each program or application that runs is a task or process. Multitasking enables the operating system to keep track of several processes simultaneously, which allows more than one tool or application to be used at one time. Distributed processing enables the use of resources across the network. For instance, a user may be sitting at their workstation and be able to access files, applications, and resources on the hard disk of another computer or a printer located on a remote part of the network.