COSC240 • Operating Systems

Week 1: Operating System Concepts & Architecture

Explore the fundamental hardware-software interface, system call dispatch mechanisms, dual-mode CPU protection rings, and trap handling.

📚 What You Will Learn
  • Core architectural mechanics and low-level data structures.
  • Kernel operational states, hardware interrupts, and protection boundaries.
  • Theoretical trade-offs, performance implications, and industry standards.
✅ What You Should Do
  • Review lecture notes and assigned textbook chapters.
  • Explore interactive pedagogical steppers and simulation modules.
  • Complete weekly tutorials, practical lab assignments, and review quizzes.
📂 Course Modules & Deep-Dive Texts
Module 01

What is an Operating System & History

Trace the historical evolution of mainframe, minicomputer, personal, and mobile operating systems.

Batch SystemsMultiprogrammingTime-SharingVM
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Module 02

Hardware Review & CPU Modes

Examine Von Neumann architecture, CPU execution cycles, memory hierarchies, and dual-mode user/kernel execution.

CPU RegistersCache CoherencyPrivileged InstructionsMMU
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Module 03

Fundamental OS Concepts

Analyze processes, address spaces, files, system calls, protection domains, and the shell interface.

Process ModelFilesystem TreeSystem CallsAPI Abstraction
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Module 04

OS Structure & Kernel Models

Contrast Monolithic kernels, Layered architectures, Microkernels, Exokernels, and Hybrid systems.

MonolithicMicrokernelLayeredHybrid OS
Module Overview →