Class Operating Systems

An operating system (OS) supplies a convenient, efficient and well defined interface between the hardware and application software. The services it provides offer the basic functionality, in any computer system, in which the application software is based.

Acquiring a solid knowledge about the inner workings of the OS is of vital importance for engineering students that will enter a job market in which the development and the use of computer systems are gradually being reinforced.

In particular, addressing the way an OS works, what are the main components, how to use its resources and services to develop efficient programs, and how to select an OS for a specific application, this CU supplies methodologies and abilities to think about computer systems, that are very broad and useful even for a career not connected to development.

1.  Introduction to OS
   1. Objectives and main features
   2. Historic evolution
2. Computer Architecture
   1. Block diagram of a typical computer
3. OS architecture
   1. Structure and components
4. Notions of concurrency and pseudo-parallelism
   1. Processes and threads
5. Process Management
   1. CPU multiplexing
   2. Scheduling
   3. Interrupts
   4. Dispatcher
6. Process Synchronization
   1. Cooperation
   2. Shared Data
   3. Critical sections
   4. Mutual exclusion
7. Inter-process communication
   1. Shared Memory
   2. Mailboxes
   3. Sockets
8. Memory management
   1. Real mode addressing
   2. Virtual addressing
   3. Algorithms
9. Input/output management
   1. I/O hardware
   2. The I(O sub-system
10. File System
    1. Basic concepts
    2. Structure
    3. Allocation methods
    4. Storage devices
11. Protection and Security
    1. Threats
    2. Prevention
12. Operating systems for embedded systems
    1. Static environment with limited resources

In each topic will use examples using reference operating systems: Windows and Linux.

The teaching methodology is based in theory lectures, in which the topics are exposed, practical classes were practical examples are presented and students solve exercises and ask questions that are discussed, and labs where students perform assignments about topics they've learned.

The evaluation has a practical component, with a minimum score of 10, resulting from assignments, questionnaires and lab permanent evaluation, and a final written test, with a minimum score of 10. Each component weights 50% in the final mark.

Students will also have the opportunity to attend the exams in the dates contemplated in the regulations.

The final approval will be given according to the Regulamento das Unidades Curriculares com Forte Componente Laboratorial, of FE.

Should there be any doubts concerning any of the evaluation marks, the teacher may conduct an oral evaluation in order to confirm the results.

• Silberschatz, A., Galvin, P., e Gagne, G - Operating System Concepts. Ninth Edition, John Wiley and Sons, 2012. ISBN: 9781118063330.
• A. Tanenbaum, H. Bos - Modern Operating Systems. 4th Edition. Pearson, 2014. ISBN: 9780133591620