Randy Appleton
JXJ 2214
227-1593
rappleto@nmu.edu
This class is designed for senior level students who are comfortable with complex computer concepts. In CS 426 we will define the term operating system, and explore several concepts from operating systems. We will describe a set of features that operating systems provide, the use of those features, and how to implement them.
Students should know
How memory management and page tables work.
How processes and threads are scheduled.
How file systems work, including how things are put onto disks.
Our required textbook is Operating System Concepts by Silberschatz and Galvin.
I assume that everyone knows "C" and has a basic understanding of Unix. If not come see me.
Grades are assigned from projects (40%), midterms (30%), and a final(20%) and weekly quizzes and homeworks (10%). . Hopefully the quizzes will let you know how you are doing while there is still time to change it, and let me know what subject areas I need to review.
The projects are quite important. Each project will be structured so that everyone can finish it completely. If you have trouble with a project, come ask me (or a fellow student) for help. My goal is to have everyone challenged, but also finish each project.
I hate late assignments!!! However, it is much better to turn something in late rather than not at all. The late penalty depends on the project and the reason. You ca n ask for a later due date if you ask when the project is assigned. If there was some unavoidable reason you could not turn a project in on time (i.e. car crash, snow day, etc.) just ask me to waive the penalty. I'm pretty lenient.
It's very OK (and encouraged) to talk to other people about how to solve problems. It's OK to look at other people's code. It's very OK to get help. It's OK (and expected) that people will look stuff up on the web. It's NOT OK to copy more than 3 lines of code from the web without attributing it. It's NOT OK to copy more than 3 lines of code from another person without attributing it. If it's attributed it's OK (but I might ask you to do more work if there is a lot of such code). Also, you cannot copy more than three lines of code from sites like stackoverflow and ChatGPT. Also, you have to follow the rules of the student handbook. The penalty of cheating is probably an F for the semester.
If you have a need for disability-related accommodations or services, please inform the Coordinator of Disability Services in the Disability Services Office at 2001 C. B. Hedgcock (227-1700; TTY 227-1543). Reasonable and effective accommodations and services will be provided to students if requests are made in a timely manner, with appropriate documentation, in accordance with federal, state and University guidelines.