Operating Systems

CIS 704 EMZ6, G

Prerequisite: a class on data structures, and computer architecture.
M 6:00pm - 8:05pm, in 238NE

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Books:
Operating System Concepts by Silberschatz and Galvin
[recommended] Understanding The Linux Kernel (O'Reilly) or another Linux kernel book

Objective:
Our goal is to learn what an operating system is, what its parts are, how each of those parts work, and to become familiar with the inner workings of mainstream operating systems like DOS, Windows, and Linux. Basically, the goal is to learn enough about operating system so that you could write your own if you wanted to.

Office Hours:
I'll be around right before and right after class. Let me know, and we can setup an alternate time to meet.

Projects:
There will be several projects to build simple operating system parts and implement certain algorithms.

Tests:
You will have at least a midterm and a final exam. There might also be a quiz or two.

In This Class:
Peer cooperation is encouraged, however, everyone must submit their own work. You will be expected to answer detailed questions about your assignments/projects. (i.e.: if you didn't write them, I'll know.)

Presentation:
There is also a very good chance of an in-class presentation where you present your project to the class, describe it, answer questions about it, etc.

Attendance is not mandatory, but highly recommended. [you must attend at least a few times in the first six weeks, or you will be dropped from the class with a WU grade] Also, it would be VERY difficult to pass the class without regular attendence; you are responsible for catching up if you miss class. That being said, if you hardly ever show up (miss >= 4 classes) don't expect to get anything but a WU grade.

All projects, assignments, homeworks, etc., will be submitted via that submission site. Do not print out nor e-mail me the assignments - they will promptly be trashed.

Grading:
Tentative grade breakup: ~25% for Midterm, ~35% for Projects, ~40% Final - These may change slightly depending on how well the class does in any of the above. (also, the "Project" grade includes things like in-class presentation, quizes, projects, etc.)