Indicate the functions of the agent process in a network operating system? Solution Answer: In a network operating system, an agent process is involved in the following: 1. In interpreting user commands 2. In deciding whether to allow entry of an host to network services or not. 3. To maintain database of relations among user, remote host and task. For example, information about hosts to which access is allowed for each user, log-in details, nature of allowed tasks etc. 4. In file management including allowing access to files to users as per their authorization at remote hosts. 5. In mapping the textual host name to host address. 6. In maintaing its own directory structure. 7. In maintaining a fixed set of files, common uitlity procedures etc. available to the users of network. 8. May hide file naming and other local conventions from remote user, if required. 9. May provide an environment in which a directory entry can be made for all remote files being accessed by each interested user. .