Overview
This course introduces the key principles underlying modern computer operating systems. The first part of the course (about 25%) will cover processes, threads, and CPU scheduling. The second part (about 25%) will discuss issues related to concurrency, synchronization, and deadlock handling. The third part of the course (about 25%) will focus on memory, memory management, and virtual memory systems. The final part of the course (about 25%) will discuss file, I/O, and storage systems.
Throughout the course, the Linux operating system will be used as the primary example to illustrate the principles presented. Where appropriate, the Windows operating system will also be used for examples. User Mode Linux (UML) will be used as the laboratory environment for the four programming assignments in the course.
See the official CPSC 457 calendar entry and course information sheet (MS Word) for course description, policies, and information on pre-requisites.
CPSC 457 lectures take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30am-10:45am in ST 131.
The first lecture is Tuesday, January 12, 2010.
Announcements
- April 21, 2010: Final exam coming up at 12 noon in ES 162. Good luck!
- April 15, 2010: Last day of class. Don't forget the final exam on Wednesday April 21 at 12 noon in ES 162.
- April 12, 2010: An extension has been granted for Assignment 4. It is now due at midnight on April 14.
- April 6, 2010: A reminder that Assignment 4 is due at midnight on April 12. Also note the fire alarm testing scheduled for Math Sciences from 8am to 2pm on Sunday April 11. No one will be allowed in the MS building (or the computer labs) during this time.
- April 1, 2010: Assignment 5 is ready now. It is due on April 26. (Just kidding! :-)
- March 22, 2010: Assignment 3 is due tonight! If you are having problems running UML remotely, try these updated tips from Darcy.
- March 16, 2010: A first draft of Assignment 4 is available now.
- March 3, 2010: A reminder of the CPSC 457 midterm exam in class on Tuesday, March 9. Also note that Professor Williamson is away in Chicago all day on Monday March 8 for an ACM SGB meeting.
- March 1, 2010: CPSC 457 final exam is noon on Wednesday, April 21.
- February 18, 2010: An example midterm exam is on the exams page now.
- February 17, 2010: A first draft of Assignment 3 is available now.
- February 11, 2010: The CentOS version of the UML distribution now has the C compiler available, so you should be able to use either CentOS or Fedora versions for the assignments.
- February 4, 2010: Midterm exam will be on Tuesday, March 9.
- January 29, 2010: Assignment 1 is due Monday night (Feb 1). Some last-minute tips are on the Assignment 1 page now.
- January 15, 2010: Assignment 2 is available now.
- January 13, 2010: Assignment 1 is available now.
- January 12, 2010: First lecture is at 9:30am in ST 131. See you there!