Fundamentals of Operating Systems

by Andrew M. Lister, R.D. Eager

An operating system is probably the most important part of the body of soft- ware which goes with any modern computer system. I ts importance is reflected in the large amount of manpower usually invested in its construction, and in the mystique by which it is often surrounded. To the non-expert the design and construction of operating systems has often appeared an activity impenetrable to those who do not practise it. I hope this book will go some way toward dispelling the mystique, and encourage a greater general understanding of the principles on which operating systems are constructed. The material in the book is based on a course of lectures I have given for the past few years to undergraduate students of computer science. The book is therefore a suitable introduction to operating systems for students who have a basic grounding in computer science, or for people who have worked with computers for some time. Ideally the reader should have a knowledge of prorramming and be familiar with general machine architecture, common data structures such as lists and trees, and the functions of system software such as compilers, loaders, and editors. I t will also be helpful if he has had some experience of using a large operating system, seeing it, as it were, from the out- side.

Genres: Computers

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Deg]

Dated but very thorough.

[Peddiraju Bhargava]

One reading of this book, and I could appreciate the complexity, of the very PC I am typing this review from, more with a renewed interest in these principles. Needless to say, it is very helpful in technical aspects as well. :)

[VENKATRAMAN C K]

Excellent conceptual coverage of the topic. Must read for all IT professionals who want a understanding of innards of a operating system.