Os by William Stalling 6/E
M01_STAL6329_06_SE_C01.QXD
2/13/08
1:48 PM
Page 6
PART ONE
Background
P
art One provides a background and context for the remainder of this book. This part presents the fundamental concepts of computer architecture and operating system internals.
ROAD MAP FOR PART ONE
Chapter 1 Computer System Overview
An operating system mediates among application programs, utilities, and users, on the one hand, and the computer system hardware on the other. To appreciate the functionality of the operating system and the design issues involved, one must have some appreciation for computer organization and architecture. Chapter 1 provides a brief survey of the processor, memory, and Input/Output (I/O) elements of a computer system.
Chapter 2 Operating System Overview
The topic of operating system (OS) design covers a huge territory, and it is easy to get lost in the details and lose the context of a discussion of a particular issue. Chapter 2 provides an overview to which the reader can return at any point in the book for context. We begin with a statement of the objectives and functions of an operating system. Then some historically important systems and OS functions are described. This discussion allows us to present some fundamental OS design principles in a simple environment so that the relationship among various OS functions is clear. The chapter next highlights important characteristics of modern operating systems. Throughout the book, as various topics are discussed, it is necessary to talk about both fundamental, well-established principles as well as more recent innovations in OS design. The discussion in this chapter alerts the reader to this blend of established and recent design approaches that must be addressed. Finally, we present an overview of Windows, UNIX, and Linux; this discussion establishes the general architecture of these systems, providing context for the detailed discussions to follow.
6
M01_STAL6329_06_SE_C01.QXD
2/13/08
1:48 PM
Page 6
PART ONE
Background
P
art One provides a background and context for the remainder of this book. This part presents the fundamental concepts of computer architecture and operating system internals.
ROAD MAP FOR PART ONE
Chapter 1 Computer System Overview
An operating system mediates among application programs, utilities, and users, on the one hand, and the computer system hardware on the other. To appreciate the functionality of the operating system and the design issues involved, one must have some appreciation for computer organization and architecture. Chapter 1 provides a brief survey of the processor, memory, and Input/Output (I/O) elements of a computer system.
Chapter 2 Operating System Overview
The topic of operating system (OS) design covers a huge territory, and it is easy to get lost in the details and lose the context of a discussion of a particular issue. Chapter 2 provides an overview to which the reader can return at any point in the book for context. We begin with a statement of the objectives and functions of an operating system. Then some historically important systems and OS functions are described. This discussion allows us to present some fundamental OS design principles in a simple environment so that the relationship among various OS functions is clear. The chapter next highlights important characteristics of modern operating systems. Throughout the book, as various topics are discussed, it is necessary to talk about both fundamental, well-established principles as well as more recent innovations in OS design. The discussion in this chapter alerts the reader to this blend of established and recent design approaches that must be addressed. Finally, we present an overview of Windows, UNIX, and Linux; this discussion establishes the general architecture of these systems, providing context for the detailed discussions to follow.
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M01_STAL6329_06_SE_C01.QXD