Homework Assignment #1
J. H. Wang
Mar. 16, 2010
Homework #1
• Chap.1: 1.3, 1.21
• Chap.2: 2.10, 2.11
• (Optional: Programming project for
Chap.2)
• Due: two weeks (Mar. 30, 2010)
• Chap.1
– 1.3: Give two reasons why caches are useful. What problems do
they solve? What problems do they cause? If a cache can be
made as large as the device for which it is caching (for instance,
a cache as large as a disk), why not make it that large and
eliminate the device?
– 1.21: Define the essential properties of the following types of
operating systems:
(a) Batch
(b) Interactive
(c) Time sharing
(d) Real time
(e) Network
(f) Parallel
(g) Distributed
(h) Clustered
(i) Handheld
• Chap.2
– 2.10: What is the main advantage of the
layered approach to system design? What are
the main disadvantages of using the layered
approach?
– 2.11: What is the relationship between a guest
operating system and a host operating system
in a system like VMware? What factors need
to be considered in choosing the host
operating system?
Homework Submission
• For hand-written exercises, please hand in
your homework in class (paper version)
• For programming exercises, we will set up
a program submission site in case needed
More on Optional End-of-Chapter
Projects
• Programming Project for Chap. 2:
Adding a system call to the Linux Kernel
–
–
–
–
Building a new kernel
Extending the kernel source
Adding a system call to the kernel
Using the system call from a user program
Thanks for Your Attention!