This course delves into the fundamental principles of operating systems, examining their basic structure and key concepts such as abstraction, concurrency, scalability, persistence, and resource allocation. Additionally, it explores the roles of operating systems in managing user program execution, facilitating device interaction, and acting as vital intermediaries between users and hardware components.

Learning Objectives and Outcomes:

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental principles of operating systems, including abstraction, concurrency, scalability, persistence, and resource allocation.
2. Implement operating system principles to effectively manage user program execution and facilitate device interaction.
3. Analyze the roles of operating systems as crucial intermediaries between users and hardware components, evaluating their significance in modern computing environments.

Evaluate various strategies for optimizing operating system performance, IPC and security prioritizing solutions to enhance overall system efficiency and user experience.

Course Schedule and Topics

This course will cover the following topics in eight learning sessions, with one Unit per week. The Final Exam will take place during Week/Unit 9 (UoPeople time).
Week 1: Unit 1 – Introduction to Operating Systems
Week 2: Unit 2 – Understanding System Structures
Week 3: Unit 3 – Fundamental Principles of Operating Systems
Week 4: Unit 4 – Device Interaction and Management
Week 5: Unit 5 – Resource Allocation Strategies
Week 6: Unit 6 – Operating System Services
Week 7: Unit 7 – Enhancing System Efficiency
Week 8: Unit 8 – Modern Computing Environments

Learning Guide

The following is an outline of how this course will be conducted, with suggested best practices for students.  

Unit 1 – Introduction to Operating Systems

1. Classify different operating systems, including their functions and traits.
2. Assess the historical development of operating systems noting the significant advancements.
3. Analyze key components of operating systems to understand their purpose and structure.

Unit 2 – Understanding System Structures

1. Differentiate the roles and privileges of Kernel and User Space in operating systems.
2. Utilize System Calls and APIs effectively for interacting with the operating system.
3. Evaluate the significance of Scalability and Persistence in operating system design and management.

Unit 3 – Fundamental Principles of Operating Systems

1. Evaluate File System Abstraction’s efficiency in managing data storage.
2. Utilize diverse Inter-Process Communication (IPC) Mechanisms effectively.
3. Differentiate causes of Deadlocks and Race Conditions and propose solutions in OS design.

Unit 4 – Device Interaction and Management

1. Investigate the importance of I/O systems and device drivers for effective peripheral device management.
2. Develop expertise in managing file systems, including organization, allocation, and directory structuring.
3. Assess proficiency in process management principles and techniques, including creation, scheduling, synchronization, and termination.

Unit 5 – Resource Allocation Strategies

1. Analyze CPU scheduling algorithms to assess system performance.
2. Evaluate disk scheduling algorithms for enhanced I/O performance.
3. Justify memory management techniques for efficient resource utilization.

Unit 6 – Operating System Services

1. Analyze the principles and functionality of User Interfaces and Command Line Interfaces.
2. Explain the concepts and mechanisms involved in Networking and Communication Services.
3. Evaluate the importance and implementation of Security and Access Control mechanisms in operating systems.
4. Apply shell scripting techniques to automate tasks and streamline system management processes.

Unit 7 – Enhancing System Efficiency

1. Analyze kernel design principles and implementation methods.
2. Evaluate fault tolerance techniques for improved system reliability.
3. Explain virtual memory management concepts and benefits.
4. Justify the use of various messaging system components to enhance system efficiency.

Unit 8 – Modern Computing Environments

1. Examine the principles and architecture of cloud computing and distributed systems.
2. Assess the characteristics and challenges of mobile and embedded operating systems.
3. Develop strategies to identify emerging trends and anticipate future directions in operating system design and implementation.