Chapter -1: Administrivia

I start at -1 so that when we get to chapter 1, the numbering will agree with the text.

(-1).1: Contact Information

• gottlieb@nyu.edu (best method)
• http://allan.ultra.nyu.edu/~gottlieb two el's in allan
• 715 Broadway, Room 712

(-1).2: Course Web Page

There is a web site for the course. You can find it from my home page, which is http://allan.ultra.nyu.edu/~gottlieb

• You can find these lecture notes on the course home page. Please let me know if you can't find it.
• I mirror my home page on the CS web site.
• I also mirror the course pages on the CS web site.
• But, the official site is allan.ultra.nyu.edu. It is the one I personally manage.
• The notes will be updated as bugs are found.
• I will also produce a separate page for each lecture after the lecture is given. These individual pages might not get updated as quickly as the large page

(-1).3: Textbook

The course text is Tanenbaum, "Modern Operating Systems", 2nd Edition

• The first edition is not adequate as there have been many changes.
• Available in bookstore.
• We will cover nearly all of the first 6 chapters.

(-1).4: Computer Accounts and Mailman Mailing List

• You are entitled to a computer account, please get it asap.
• Sign up for the Mailman mailing list for the course. http://www.cs.nyu.edu/mailman/listinfo/g22_2250_001_fa01
• If you want to send mail just to me, use gottlieb@nyu.edu not the mailing list.
• Questions on the labs should go to the mailing list. You may answer questions posed on the list as well.
• I will respond to all questions; if another student has answered the question before I get to it, I will confirm if the answer given is correct.

(-1).5: Grades

Assuming 3 labs, which is likely, grades will computed as
.3*LabAverage + .7*FinalExam (but see homeworks below).

(-1).6: Homeworks and Labs

I make a distinction between homeworks and labs.

Labs are

• Required.
• Due several lectures later (date given on assignment).
• Graded and form part of your final grade.
• Penalized for lateness.
• Computer programs you must write.

• Optional.
• Due the beginning of Next lecture.
• Not accepted late.
• Mostly from the book.
• Collected and returned.
• Can help, but not hurt, your grade.

(-1).6.1: Doing Labs on non-NYU Systems

You may solve lab assignments on any system you wish, but ...

• You are responsible for any non-nyu machine. I extend deadlines if the nyu machines are down, not if yours are.
• Be sure to upload your assignments to the nyu systems.
  • In an ideal world, a program written in a high level language like Java, C, or C++ that works on your system would also work on the NYU system used by the grader. Sadly this ideal is not always achieved despite marketing claims that it is achieved. So, although you may develop you lab on any system, you must ensure that it runs on the nyu system assigned to the course.
  • If somehow your assignment is misplaced by me and/or a grader, we need a to have a copy ON AN NYU SYSTEM that can be used to verify the date the lab was completed.
  • When you complete a lab (and have it on an nyu system), do not edit those files. Indeed, put the lab in a separate directory and keep out of the directory. You do not want to alter the dates.

(-1).6.2: Obtaining Help with the Labs

Good methods for obtaining help include

1. Asking me during office hours (see web page for my hours).
2. Asking the mailing list.
3. Asking another student, but ...
   Your lab must be your own.
   That is, each student must submit a unique lab. Naturally changing comments, variable names, etc does not produce a unique lab

(-1).7: The Upper Left Board

I use the upper left board for lab/homework assignments and announcements. I should never erase that board. View as a file it is group readable (the group is those in the room), appendable by just me, and (re-)writable by no one. If you see me start to erase an announcement, let me know.

(-1).8: A Grade of ``Incomplete''

It is university policy that a student's request for an incomplete be granted only in exceptional circumstances and only if applied for in advance. Naturally, the application must be before the final exam.