CS 414
Introduction to Operating Systems
Fall 2003 10:10-11:25 (HO B14)
Cornell University Computer Science Department

Announcements

  • We're using the newsgroups for announcements:
  • cornell.class.cs414, for cs414
  • cornell.class.cs415, for cs415

·         The CS414 final will be optional!  See the newsgroup for details!  But you do need to come to class on Tuesday December 2 to understand how to make the choice on whether or not to take the final.

·         Please note that the final will be offered on two dates: In class, the last day of classes (December 4), or if you prefer, on the scheduled final date -- December 17 in Olin Hall 155.

Grading Policy

Homeworks are graded on a check-plus, check, check- basis. These convert to a number: 5/4/3.    You are expected to do your own work!  (See academic integrity policy).

Homework is 25% of your grade.  

For people who take the optional final, each exam (p1, p2, final) counts for 25% of your grade.  We then rank the whole class, do a rough letter grade based on the distribution of letter grades from previous years, and then fine-tune to deal with individual special cases.  The mean is usually a A-/B+ and we very rarely give grades lower than C-.  Very high and very low grades (like A+ or D) are determined by hand, not based on some sort of formula.  

For people who decide not to take the final, exams p1 and p2 count for 37.5% each -- they are "weighted" slightly more heavily, while homework weighting remains unchanged.  These people will learn their grades in class on December 2.  

Administration

TextBook

Operating Systems Concepts, 6th Edition, Silvershatz, Galvin and Gagne, "Windows XP Update".  Wiley, 2003.

 

Note: Hennessey and Patterson's Computer Architecture is cited on the syllabus for people who want a CS314 reference.  This is NOT a required textbook for CS314.  Most people will not need to consult it.  H&P is on reserve in the Engineering library.

Note: Older editions are fine too, but you'll need to figure out the page numbering on your own in that case.  They haven't really changed this book much since the 5th Edition, and we won't do much with the Windows XP material that was added in 2003.  Carpenter Library has at least one copy on reserve.  But be careful to check the title and author list.  There are several books with similar titles.

CS 415 Announcements

415 Project

 

Other Resources

Papers:

Manuals:


1.Basic Architecture 2.Instruction Set Reference 3. System Programming

Other: