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COMP S260

More information: Course Guide

Computer Architecture and Operating Systems

Course Start Date	Course Level	Duration	Credits	Language	Fees ($) (including lab fees)	Future Semesters
01-Oct-2013	Middle	2 semesters	10	English	N/A	Oct 2014

Course Coordinator: Dr Raymond So, BA (UNCC); MIS; PhD (Melb)

Course Developers: Dr Charlie Y K Choi, City University of Hong Kong; Dr Reggie Kwan, OUHK; Dr Edward Chan, City University of Hong Kong; Dr Steven Choy, OUHK; and Dr Sheung-On Choy, OUHK

COMP S260 is suitable for science and technology students who want to develop knowledge and skills in the specification, design, operation and evaluation of computer systems, including various aspects of operating systems software. You can obtain more information about this course from the Guest page at http://learn.ouhk.edu.hk/~mt260/guest.

Advisory prerequisite(s)
You are advised to have already studied COMP S210/COMP S201 or COMP S258.

Aims
This course aims to:

• Help students to develop the knowledge and understanding of the fundamental theory and techniques of computer architecture and operating systems;

• Provide students with the means to evaluate computer systems and operating system products and services;

• Aid students in applying their knowledge of computer architecture and operating systems to issues such as system and programming performance.
  

Contents
This course covers the following topics:

• Data in the computer

• Computer architecture, CPU and memory

• CPU design and organization

• Input, output and computer peripherals

• Operating systems and the user's view

• Process management

• Memory management

• Input/output and file systems

• Distributed computing architectures and virtualization

Learning support
There will be 12 two-hour tutorials and adequate surgeries throughout the course.

Assessment
There will be four assignments and a final examination. Each of the two parts contributes 50% to the final grade.

Online requirement
This course is supported by the Online Learning Environment (OLE). You can find the latest course information from the OLE. Through the OLE, you can communicate electronically with your tutor and the Course Coordinator as well as other students. To access the OLE, students will need to have access to the Internet. The use of the OLE is required for the study of this course.

Equipment
Students will need access to a PC-compatible computer suitable for connecting to the Internet. The recommended minimum computing requirements are:

• IBM compatible PC with Intel Pentium III 800 MHz CPU (recommended 2.6 GHz Pentium IV) ready for connecting to the Internet

• 512 MB RAM

• 1 GB free hard disk space

• CD-ROM drive

• Video display resolution at 800 x 600 or higher

• Sound card with speakers
  

Software
Students will need access to a computer running Microsoft Windows XP (English) or newer with Microsoft Word and Internet Explorer.

Set book(s)
Englander, I (2010) The Architecture of Computer Hardware, Systems Software and Networking: An Information Technology Approach, 4th edn, New York: John Wiley and Sons.

Students with disabilities
The audio and visual components of this course may cause difficulties for students with impaired hearing or vision. You should seek advice from the Course Coordinator before enrolling on the course.