Operating Systems and Computer Networks.
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The present course aims at supplying skills in the fields of both modern operating systems and the main services provided by computer networks, directed to gaining abilities in configuring and using one's own computer system, and in controlling and analyzing the computer network the system is connected to, thus wholly leveraging all their potentialities.
The main goal is making students familiar - also under a practical point of view - with the usage of the main tools to control and manage both operating systems and network devices.
The main goal is making students familiar - also under a practical point of view - with the usage of the main tools to control and manage both operating systems and network devices.
Expected learning outcomes
As far as operating systems are concerned, natural outcomes are:
(i) comprehension of the functioning of computer systems,
(ii) ability in configuring and managing the work of one's computer system, with particular attention to the management of program execution, the sharing of resources with other users, and the usage of the computer system's command language.
Other expected results concerning computer networks are:
(i) comprehension of the functioning of the main network protocols and services,
(ii) ability in configuring the mentioned protocols and devices to make a simple home network,
(iii) ability in verifying and controlling the proper work and security of a computer network.
(i) comprehension of the functioning of computer systems,
(ii) ability in configuring and managing the work of one's computer system, with particular attention to the management of program execution, the sharing of resources with other users, and the usage of the computer system's command language.
Other expected results concerning computer networks are:
(i) comprehension of the functioning of the main network protocols and services,
(ii) ability in configuring the mentioned protocols and devices to make a simple home network,
(iii) ability in verifying and controlling the proper work and security of a computer network.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
More specific information on the delivery modes of training activities for academic year 2024/25 will be possibly provided basing on University or Italian Government regulations.
Course syllabus
OPERATING SYSTEMS:
· Operating system architectures
- driver, kernel, shell, memory hierarchy (cache, RAM, disk) and characteristics of the hierarchy levels
- command prompt; commands help (Windows - WIN) and man (Unix/Linux - UX)
· File system management
- File system structure; absolute and relative path; relevant system files and folders
- Directory browsing → commands for WIN and UX
- Access to / search in file contents
- Changing file characteristics
- Modifying file system structure
- Modifying file system structure: WIN/ UX commands for creating links between files
· Process management
- Relevant system processes; process identification; execution mode
- Execution and generation of processes; process hierarchies
- Monitoring active processes
- Use of system resources by processes
- Execution mode: foreground, background, batch
- Input/output redirection, pipes between processes (commands |,>, <...)
· Command shell and scripting
- Environment variables
- Command aliasing
- Shell programming: shell scripting (U); batch scripting (W)
· Management of the main and secondary memory units
- Monitoring of processes' memory usage
- Thread management and concurrent access to shared memory
- File system formats for peripherals: disk, USB unit, external backup disk
- Guidelines for organizing disk space (OS allocation vs. stored user data)
- Calculation of disk partition sizes
- File system construction: (u)mount operations
· Inter-process communication
- Pipe, fifo, signals generation and management
· Operating system architectures
- driver, kernel, shell, memory hierarchy (cache, RAM, disk) and characteristics of the hierarchy levels
- command prompt; commands help (Windows - WIN) and man (Unix/Linux - UX)
· File system management
- File system structure; absolute and relative path; relevant system files and folders
- Directory browsing → commands for WIN and UX
- Access to / search in file contents
- Changing file characteristics
- Modifying file system structure
- Modifying file system structure: WIN/ UX commands for creating links between files
· Process management
- Relevant system processes; process identification; execution mode
- Execution and generation of processes; process hierarchies
- Monitoring active processes
- Use of system resources by processes
- Execution mode: foreground, background, batch
- Input/output redirection, pipes between processes (commands |,>, <...)
· Command shell and scripting
- Environment variables
- Command aliasing
- Shell programming: shell scripting (U); batch scripting (W)
· Management of the main and secondary memory units
- Monitoring of processes' memory usage
- Thread management and concurrent access to shared memory
- File system formats for peripherals: disk, USB unit, external backup disk
- Guidelines for organizing disk space (OS allocation vs. stored user data)
- Calculation of disk partition sizes
- File system construction: (u)mount operations
· Inter-process communication
- Pipe, fifo, signals generation and management
Prerequisites for admission
Pre-requisites: contents from the courses Programmazione I (computer programming), Algoritmi e strutture dati (algorithms and data structures).
Teaching methods
in-presence (in Italian) in computerized classroom
Teaching Resources
* on-line documentation indicated for each topic
* handout of solved exercises, supplied by the professor
* handout of solved exercises, supplied by the professor
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of a written/practical assignment relating to the topics covered in the course. The assignment aims at verifying the student's knowledge of all aspects of the subject, both through practical exercises implemented on the computer and through open-ended questions.
The exam mark, expressed in thirtieths, takes into account the level of mastery of the topics, the clarity of explanation, and the appropriateness of the technical language.
The exam mark, expressed in thirtieths, takes into account the level of mastery of the topics, the clarity of explanation, and the appropriateness of the technical language.
INF/01 - INFORMATICS - University credits: 6
Laboratories: 12 hours
Lessons: 35 hours
Lessons: 35 hours
Professor:
Pagani Elena
Professor(s)
Reception:
Tuesday, 3:15 PM - 4:30 PM or preferably by appointment
online (Teams) or office