Foundations of Operating Systems

The “Foundations of Operating Systems” course offers an in-depth exploration of the fundamental principles and concepts that underlie modern operating systems. Operating systems serve as the backbone of computer systems, providing the crucial interface between hardware and software. This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of how operating systems manage resources, facilitate communication, and ensure the efficient execution of programs.

Through a balanced blend of theoretical knowledge and practical applications, this course equips students with the essential skills to comprehend, design, and analyze operating systems. Starting with an overview of the historical evolution of operating systems, students will delve into key components such as process management, memory management, file systems, and input/output systems.

Key topics covered in this course include:

Process scheduling algorithms and mechanisms
Memory allocation and virtual memory management
File system structures and organization
I/O management and device drivers
Inter-process communication and synchronization
Security and protection mechanisms
Case studies of popular operating systems
Lectures, interactive discussions, and hands-on lab exercises will facilitate the learning process, allowing students to explore practical implementations of the theoretical concepts. Students will have the opportunity to work with both simulated and real-world operating systems, gaining experience in troubleshooting, performance optimization, and system analysis.

Upon successful completion of the course, students will have a solid foundation in the principles governing operating systems, enabling them to make informed decisions in designing efficient, reliable, and secure computing environments. Whether aspiring to become systems programmers, software engineers, or computer scientists, a mastery of operating system fundamentals is essential, and this course serves as a crucial stepping stone in that journey.

Prerequisites: Basic understanding of computer architecture and programming concepts.

Assessment: The course will be assessed through a combination of assignments, quizzes, practical labs, and a final project that involves designing and implementing a simple operating system-related task.

Join us in the “Foundations of Operating Systems” course to unravel the intricate layers of modern computing and embark on a journey to become proficient in the core principles that power our digital world.