COMP30640

This is a core module on the MSc. Computer Science (Conversion) and Higher Diploma in Computer Science programmes. The module is structured to present important concepts of operating systems with emphasis on fundamental topics and techniques. References to actual systems are made as well in order to illustrate concepts and/or implementation issues. The introduction is devoted to a brief history of operating systems, and their design issues and philosophies. The main components of an operating system are explained, and different approaches to how these components are organised and implemented are explored. Process management is studied to understand the execution and control of programs in an operating system. This leads to the subject of how processes are organised (communication, cooperation, and synchronisation). Next process scheduling and its role in multiprogrammed operating systems are studied. This is followed by memory management and the concepts of segmentation, paging, and virtual memory. File management is then studied with a focus on the file system and its organisation. Finally we look at the evolving role of operating system for cloud computing and pervasive computing environments. Throughout the trimester, we will present ways the concepts are implements in Linux, a popular operating system in the IT industry. The students will also be able to interact with Linux and write scripts to perform simple and complex tasks.