Free online courseComputer operating systems

Course Description

Embark on a comprehensive journey through the intricate world of computer operating systems in the course "Computer Operating Systems." With a total duration of 6 hours and 23 minutes, this course meticulously unravels the core concepts and mechanisms that underscore modern operating systems. Highly rated with an average of 5 out of 5 stars, this course stands out in the Information Technology category, specifically within the Operational Systems subcategory.

We begin with an introduction to the fundamental concept of operating systems, guiding the learner through its essential components and architecture. The foundational understanding is further solidified as we delve into the design principles and structural nuances that characterize operating systems.

As we progress, the course introduces the concept of a process and the various operations that can be performed on them. This sets the stage for an in-depth exploration of process scheduling, including different CPU scheduling techniques like First-Come, First-Served (FCFS), Shortest Job First (SJF), and various algorithms for both non-preemptive and preemptive scheduling.

Practical exercises and examples are interwoven throughout the learning experience, providing hands-on practice with these scheduling algorithms and ensuring that theoretical knowledge is reinforced with practical application. Techniques like round-robin (RR) and shortest remaining time (SRT) are scrutinized, alongside multi-level queue (MLQ) and multi-level feedback queue (MLFQ) scheduling.

Interprocess communication (IPC) is another critical area of focus. Here, the course unpacks the mechanisms that allow processes to interact and coordinate with each other. The concept of threads is also introduced, providing valuable contexts for efficient task execution within operating systems.

Process synchronization is an area that demands particular attention, and this course covers it extensively. From introductory concepts to detailed discussions on semaphore-based synchronization and classic problems, learners gain a robust understanding of how synchronization is achieved in operating systems.

Deadlocks, a fundamental problem within operating systems, are thoroughly examined. Learners are guided through the causes of deadlocks and strategies for their avoidance, equipping them with the tools necessary to prevent and resolve these critical issues.

Main memory management is another pivotal topic addressed in this course. Beginning with an introduction to memory concepts, the instruction branches into practical exercises that clarify memory allocation techniques. The course explores paging mechanisms and addresses translation intricacies, including page faults and replacement strategies.

The intricacies of frame allocation, thrashing, and various page replacement algorithms (such as FIFO, OPT, LRU, and second chance) are dissected, providing a comprehensive understanding of how memory management optimizes system performance.

The final modules provide an overview of mass storage, integrating discussions on disk scheduling algorithms that are essential for efficient data retrieval and storage management.

"Computer Operating Systems" offers not only theoretical insights but also practical exercises that solidify learning. This engaging course promises a deep and comprehensive understanding of the operational systems that drive modern computing. It is an invaluable resource for anyone keen on mastering the complexities of computer operating systems.