CSci 4830-007
Operating Systems for Small Computers
Course Information
Fall, 2006

Course Description

This section of CSCI 4830 focuses on operating systems for contemporary small, communicating computers (SCCs). It covers much of the material that is in CSCI 3753 (hence you cannot receive academic credit for both this course and CSCI 3753), although it is presented from the perspective of the SCC. The first phase of the course will focus on operating systems for the most inexpensive and simple hardware platforms -- the kind used in some types of embedded systems. In the second phase of the course, you will build on the material in the first phase to see how the OS changes when the underlying hardware platform incorporates device interrupts. The final phase of the course looks at the most robust class of operating systems that are used on small notebook/tablet computers, etc. Lab exercises, assignments, and examples will focus on UNIX (Linux) operating systems. This course will have an extensive programming component, but you need not have taken an operating system course prior to taking this course. You may substitute this course for CSCI 3753 in your curriculum.

Prerequisite

CSCI 2270 and ECEN 2120.

Textbook

You will use a draft of Operating Systems for Small Computers. This book will be distributed electronically to class members (at no charge).

Course Logistics

1. There is a web page (http://www.cs.colorado.edu/~nutt/CS4830/) where information relevant to the class is kept. Be sure to browse the course web site regularly, as lots of critical information is only distributed via the web page.
2. You are encouraged to correspond with the Instructor using electronic mail for fast turnaround. Of course you should also feel free to meet with the Instructor during office hours if you prefer face-to-face communication. If you cannot meet during scheduled office hours, make an appointment.
3. It will be important for you to schedule your time so you submit your solutions at the time the assignment is due. Late homework will ordinarily not be accepted.
4. The course grade will be assigned as follows: exams & quizzes ~15%; final exam ~20%, homework ~55%, subjective criteria (course citizenship, attendance, class participation, ethics, etc.) ~10%.

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