CS 0449 – Introduction to Systems Software
Fall Term: 2081
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Class |
Recitation |
Recitation |
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Time: |
9:30 – 10:45 AM |
10:00 – 10:50 AM |
12:00 – 12:50 PM |
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Days: |
TH |
F |
F |
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Room: |
5129 Sennott Sq. |
5505 Sennott Sq. |
5505 Sennott Sq. |
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Webpage: |
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Contact Information
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Instructor: Jonathan Misurda |
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TA: Mohammed Mohammed |
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Office: |
6213 Sennott Square |
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Office: |
6805 Sennott Square |
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Email: |
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Email: |
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Office Hours: |
MW 1:00-3:00 |
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Office Hours: |
MW 11:30-12:45 |
Description
A Computer System is comprised of both hardware and software working in concert to accomplish useful work. In this course, we will explore the issues of programming a real computer system by examining the abstractions, interfaces, and design decisions that influence the way that software runs. This includes the role the Operating System has in communication and resource management.
The perspective we will take is one of the lifecycle of a program from implementation to execution. The simple act of compiling and running a program, a sequence of events we often take for granted, is a complex interaction of many different components that work together to manage the computer’s resources and perform the desired task. Together, these components form a working computer system.
Prerequisites
Before enrolling in this course, you need to have completed CS 0441 – Discrete Structures for Computer Science, CS 0445 – Data Structures, and have completed or be currently enrolled in CS 0447 – Computer Organization and Assembly Language Programming.
If you have any questions about the prerequisite material for the course, please ask at the beginning of the term.
Course Purposes and Goals
This course begins with the creation of executable programs in the C programming language. We then explore the resultant program as it as stored and as it is loaded to be executed. Next, we will examine the interactions between our code and the code that is already provided via libraries or the operating system to facilitate common, low-level tasks. Finally, we will look at the abstractions and resource management undertaken by the OS and its drivers to facilitate communication and hardware interaction.
The goals of the course are as follows:
· Learn programming in C, the most common language used for systems software
· Explore the layout of an executable program’s code and data both stored on disk and loaded into memory
· Interact with the abstractions that libraries and the operating system provide
· Implement our own abstractions, and manage hardware resources through device drivers
Textbooks
[Required Text]
Oualline, Steve. Practical C Programming. O’Reilly, Sebastopol, CA, 1997.
ISBN: 1-56592-306-5
Class Policies
Exams: There will be two midterms and a final. The exams will be closed book/notes. The final exam will be Thursday, December 13, 2007 from 12:00 p.m. – 1:50 p.m. in the regular classroom.
Cheating on exams will not be tolerated. Anyone caught cheating will be given a zero for the test and reported to the department following University procedures.
Projects: There will be 5 out-of-class assignments given. These are to be completed in the given time (no extensions will be given without a valid excuse.) These are meant to be your own work; anyone found to be collaborating will be given a zero for the assignment. Collaborating also means using code from previous terms, other universities, your friends, or finding it on the internet.
Labs and Quizzes: Attending recitation is an important part of this course. In recitation you will be able to work in a structured setting while completing small tasks (Labs). Concepts from class will be expanded upon and tested with unannounced quizzes.
Participation: Attendance will not be taken, but in a small class, any absence will be noticed. Several unexcused missed classes will adversely affect your grade.
Grading
Your grade will be based upon 3 exams, 5 projects, labs and quizzes (the lowest one of which will be dropped), and participation:
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First Midterm |
15% |
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Second Midterm |
15% |
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Final Exam |
15% |
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5 Projects |
40% (8% each) |
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Labs and Quizzes |
10% |
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Participation |
5% |
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Total |
100% |
The scale for the term will be:
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Percentage |
Letter |
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100 |
A+ |
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95 |
A |
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90 |
A- |
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89 |
B+ |
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85 |
B |
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80 |
B- |
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79 |
C+ |
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75 |
C |
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70 |
C- |
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69 |
D+ |
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65 |
D |
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60 |
D- |
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less than 60 |
F |
Disability Resources and Services:
If you have a disability for which you are requesting an accommodation, you are encouraged to contact both your instructor and Disability Resources and Services, 216 William Pitt Union, (412) 648-7890, as early as possible in the term. DRS will verify your disability and determine reasonable accommodations for this course.
Term Schedule: The daily topics are subject to change depending on our pace. They are there to assist you in the readings so you can focus on those concepts prior to class.
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Week 1: 8/28/2007 - 8/30/2007 |
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Readings: Practical C, Chapters 1-4, 11
Topics:
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Week 2: 9/4/2007 - 9/6/2007 |
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Readings: Practical C, Chapters 5-9
Topics:
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Week 3: 9/11/2007 - 9/13/2007 |
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Readings: Practical C, Chapters 10, 12-13, 17
Topics:
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Week 4: 9/18/2007 - 9/20/2007 |
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Readings: Practical C, Chapters 14-23
Topics:
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Week 5: 9/25/2007 - 9/27/2007 |
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Thursday, September 27: First Midterm Exam
Topics:
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Week 6: 10/2/2007 - 10/4/2007 |
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Topics:
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Week 7: 10/9/2007 - 10/11/2007 |
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Topics:
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Week 8: 10/16/2007 - 10/18/2007 |
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Topics:
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Week 9: 10/23/2007 - 10/25/2007 |
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Topics:
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Week 10: 10/30/2007 - 11/1/2007 |
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Thursday, November 1: Second Midterm Exam
Topics:
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Week 11: 11/6/2007 - 11/8/2007 |
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Topics:
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Week 12: 11/13/2007 - 11/15/2007 |
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Topics:
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Week 13: 11/20/2007 - 11/22/2007 |
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Thursday, November 22: Thanksgiving Break (University Closed)
Topics:
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Week 14: 11/27/2007 - 11/29/2007 |
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Topics:
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Week 15: 12/4/2007 - 12/6/2007 |
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Topics:
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Final Exam: 12/13/2007 |
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Final Exam Thursday, December 13, 2007 from 12:00 p.m. – 1:50 p.m in SENSQ 5502
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