What is a network operating system (NOS) primarily responsible for?

A network operating system (NOS) is responsible for controlling network traffic and managing files, making it integral to the functionality and efficiency of a network. The NOS serves as a platform that manages network resources, allowing different devices to communicate effectively and ensuring that data is transmitted securely and efficiently across the network.

In terms of file management, a NOS enables resource sharing among users on the network, allowing access to files and applications stored on the server. The system ensures that data integrity is maintained and that users can collaborate without conflict over file access.

While other choices present important aspects of a network's overall operation, they do not encompass the primary functions of a network operating system. Designing network layouts is generally a task for network engineers and designers, not something a NOS does directly. Establishing user accounts and passwords is a function associated with user management and security within the NOS, but it is just one component of the wider responsibilities of controlling traffic and managing files across the network. Providing hardware maintenance support typically falls under the purview of IT support roles, rather than the responsibilities of the NOS itself.