This course studies the principles and concepts that govern the design of modern computer operating systems. In general terms, the course covers the two primary functions of an operating system: insulating users and applications from details of the computer hardware, and managing the allocation of resources to improve efficiency. Specific topics covered include the process model of computation and the related areas of mutual exclusion and process synchronization, including the use of semaphores, message passing, and monitors. Process deadlock detection and prevention are also discussed. With respect to resource management, areas covered include processor scheduling, memory management, and management of secondary storage devices, such as magnetic disks. Memory management topics consist of swapping, virtual addressing, paging, segmentation, and sharing. Secondary storage management topics include file system organization, access methods, and performance optimizations. Implementation techniques are discussed for each of these topics, as well as protection and security concerns. Finally, if time permits, the course will cover alternative operating system architectures, and the implications of future trends in computing on operating system design.
Mon & Wed 4:30-5:45 GLD-S906
Fri 3:00-3:50 GLD-S906
Balaji Ramamurthy
Gould-Simpson 710E
621-4089, (balajir at email.arizona.edu)
Office Hours: Tue 11:30-1:30, Wed 10:30-12:30
Deepti Sati
Gould-Simpson 710E
621-4089, (milind at cs.arizona.edu
Office Hours: Mon 10:30-12:30, Thu 11:30-1:30
Please direct all of your questions and class discussions to the newsgroup at the news.cs.arizona.edu news server. All questions related to projects, homeworks, exam and general questions should be directed there. This will benefit other students in the class as they will most likely have similar questions. All students are encouraged to participate in answering question and providing general hints. However, you are not allowed to give out complete solution or share code. News group access directions (you have to restart Thunderbird before you will get to the news server).
If you would like to provide anonymous comments please use discussion forums at http://d2l.arizona.edu.
Question that are unique to a single student should be directed to the instructor, TAs or cs452@cs.arizona.edu that is monitored by the instructor and the TAs.
Exam 1: Monday 03.05.2007
Final Exam: Wednesday 05.09.2007 5:00-7:00pm