CIS 578 - Advanced Operating Systems
Fall 2002
Thursdays 6:10 - 9pm
Description: Latest developments and topics in distributed operating systems are covered in
this course via class lectures and assigned readings. Students are judged on the basis of an
exam, assignments, papers and projects.
Objectives: Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to understand important
issues and proposed solutions in distributed operating systems, as well as be familiar with the
newest trend in distributed systems and operating systems. Students will also become familiar
with technical papers in the area.
Detailed Contents1:

Sep. 5 - Review of basic concepts: Basics of Operating Systems, Distributed Systems,
Middleware, kernel

Sep. 12 - Comm Communication models for Distributed Systems: Client/Server, RPC,
Message oriented middleware and middleware in general – Industry/academia example

Sep 19, 26/Oct. 3 - Synchronization in Distributed Systems: Clocks, Mutual Exclusion,
Elections, Transactions, Concurrent Control, deadlocks

Oct. 10 – Student presentation/discussion

Oct. 17, 24 – Processes and Processors in Distributed Systems: Threads, system models,
processor allocation, scheduling, fault tolerance, real-time distributed systems

Oct. 31 – Distributed File Systems

Nov. 7 – Student presentations/discussion

Nov. 14 – Distributed Shared Memory

Nov. 21 – Final Topics

Nov. 28 – Thanksgiving

Dec. 5 – Exam
Prerequisite: CIS 450 or ECE 478
Maybe subject to changes
Text: There is no required text for this course. Various references are recommended:




Tanenbaum, “Disributed Operating Systems”, Prentice Hall
Coulouris, Dollimore, Kindberg, “Distributed Systems – Concepts and Design”,
Addison Wesley
Stallings, “Operating Systems”, Prentice Hall
Tanenbaum, “Modern Operating Systems”, Prentice Hall
Projects/Homework
Programming projects as well as question/answer format homework will be handed at the
end of each major topic covered. Expected number of assignment/homework: 3 to 4
Homework is to be done individually. Points will be deducted if identical work is
submitted.
Programming assignments may be done in groups of no more than 3, depending on the
level of difficulty. Late homework/project will be deducted 10 points every week.
Student presentations
Students will be required to read and comprehend technical papers covering the topics
addressed in class and/or research topics related to existing operating systems. This may
include searching for background information required for understanding the paper/topic in
question. All research/presentations should be done in groups of no more than 3. All group
members will receive the same grade, unless under abnormal conditions. One or all the
group members can do the oral presentation. A short report summarizing the “lessons
learned” should be handed in the day of the presentation.
Exam
The quiz will consist of short question/answers following the homework format. It will
cover the topics given during class and the major topics of technical papers and discussions
in class.
Grading
The final grade for this course will be computed as follows: projects: 40%, Student
presentations/paper/homework: 40%, Exam: 20%
Virtual Learning Tool (VLT)
All course information, including this syllabus, as well as class lectures, project information
and grades can be obtained from http://vlt.engin.umd.umich.edu/dashboard/
To have access to the course material, all students must register at the vlt site. Registration
key for this site is: cis578-2
Students with disabilities
The University will make reasonable accommodations for persons with documented
disabilities. Students need to register in the Disability Resource Services (DRS) every
semester they are taking classes. DRS is located in Counseling and Support Services, 1060
UM. To be assured of having services when they are needed, students should register by
September 18.
Academic Integrity
The University of Michigan-Dearborn values academic honesty and integrity. Each student
has a responsibility to understand, accept, and comply with the university's standards of
academic conduct as set forth by the Code of Academic Conduct, as well as policies
established by the schools and colleges. Cheating, collusion, misconduct, fabrication, and
plagiarism are considered serious offenses. Violations will not be tolerated and may result
in penalties up to and including expulsion from the University.
Policy for Course Refund
The grades for this course will be solely based on the student's achievements and
participation. The need for company refund will not be considered when grading, i.e., do
not assume that your grade will be a 'B' or higher grade just because you need a refund.
Policy for an "Incomplete" Grade
An "Incomplete" will only be given under limited circumstances:
- if not able (due to urgent/unforeseen circumstances) to write the exam (and if all
other homework/projects were submitted)
- if a maximum of 2 homework/project need to be completed
Instructor Information
Dr. Hasina Abdu
Office: Rm 122A ELB
Office Hours: TBA
E-mail: hasiabdu@engin.umd.umich.edu