Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/jisuanji-caozuo-xitong
In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, understanding the foundational elements that power our digital world is crucial. For anyone delving into computer science, software engineering, or even just a curious tech enthusiast, the operating system (OS) is the unsung hero. It’s the conductor of the digital orchestra, managing resources, facilitating human-computer interaction, and ultimately, making our computers work.
Recently, I had the opportunity to explore “计算机操作系统” (Computer Operating Systems) offered by Nanjing University on Coursera. As a university with a pioneering legacy in OS research and teaching in China, Nanjing University’s expertise shines through in this comprehensive course. Their commitment is evident in their long-standing textbook, now in its fifth edition, which forms the backbone of this online learning experience.
The course is meticulously structured into six key parts, offering a holistic view of the OS:
* **1. Computer Operating System Overview:** This section lays the groundwork, introducing the fundamental concepts, characteristics (concurrency, sharing, randomness), and the historical evolution of operating systems. It covers different OS types like batch processing, time-sharing, and real-time systems, providing a broad context for what follows.
* **2. Processor Management:** Here, the focus shifts to the CPU. The course delves into process and thread management, scheduling algorithms, and the crucial role of interrupts. Understanding how the OS juggles multiple tasks and ensures efficient processor utilization is key, and this module explains it clearly.
* **3. Storage Management:** This part tackles the complexities of memory. From basic allocation and deallocation to advanced concepts like virtual memory, paging, and segmentation, the course provides a deep understanding of how the OS manages primary and secondary storage to optimize performance and user experience.
* **4. Device Management:** Often considered the most intricate part of an OS, device management is explained with clarity. The course covers I/O control, buffer management, device drivers, and how the OS abstracts hardware complexities to provide a unified interface for users and applications.
* **5. File Management:** This section explores the file system, a critical component for data organization and access. It covers file concepts, directory structures, file storage, sharing, protection, and the mechanisms that enable “access by name” – a fundamental user convenience.
* **6. Concurrent Program Design:** The final module dives into the challenges and solutions for concurrent programming. It covers process synchronization, mutual exclusion, inter-process communication, and the critical topic of deadlock – its causes and prevention strategies.
What truly sets this course apart is its emphasis on the **synergistic design of computer hardware and software**. It doesn’t just present theoretical concepts; it explains the implementation methods, strategies, and algorithms behind each OS module. This practical, implementation-focused approach makes the learning tangible and applicable.
The course is highly accessible. Whether you’re a student in a related IT field seeking a systematic understanding, an aspiring OS developer looking for advanced insights, or a computer hobbyist wanting to grasp the fundamentals, this course caters to diverse learning needs. You can choose to dive deep into specific modules or follow the structured path for a complete education.
**Recommendation:**
“计算机操作系统” from Nanjing University is an exceptional resource for anyone serious about understanding operating systems. Its comprehensive syllabus, clear explanations, and focus on practical implementation make it a standout course. It bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application, equipping learners with a robust understanding of the software that forms the bedrock of modern computing. Highly recommended!
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/jisuanji-caozuo-xitong