The network operating system

It is loaded into the server’s hard disk along with the system management tools and user utilities. When the system is restarted, NetWare boots and the server comes under its control. At this point, DOS or Windows is no longer valid on the network drive, since it is running the network operating system or NetWare; however most DOS/Windows programs can be run as normal. No processing is done on the server, and hence it is called a Passive Device. The choice of a dedicated or non-dedicated network server is basically a trade-off between the cost and performance, and operation of a network.