For use within the Cisco Networking Academy Program, IT Essentials II, Network Operating Systems, sponsored by Hewlitt-Packard®. The new course allows the Networking Academies to introduce students to information technology and data communications as well as can be used a precursor to the Networking Academy's CCNA curricula. The Network Operating Systems course is an introduction to networking as well as an intensive introduction to multi-user, multi-tasking, networking operating systems. Characteristics of the Linux, Windows 2000, NT, and XP network operating systems will be discussed. Students explore a variety of topics including installation procedures, security issues, backup procedures, and remote access.