Computer Systems provides an introduction to the hardware, architecture and operating system of a computer. In particular, the module describes the interface between a computer's hardware and its system software.

The module introduces computer architecture and instruction sets, and demonstrates how high-level language features are implemented at the machine-level. Students are also made aware of the need for security at both the machine and system levels.

Major system hardware components, such as the buses that connect sub-systems and the interrupt system that facilitates communication between the hardware and operating system, are covered.

A large part of the module is concerned with how the operating system provides a user interface to the computer and how it manages the hardware and user software. Students study the history and development of modern operating systems and learn how the operating system handles multitasking and system security.

On successful completion of this module, the student will be able to

• Demonstrate an understanding of what computer instruction sets achieve, how they are designed, and the trade-off between instruction complexity and computer performance.
• Demonstrate an understanding of how operating systems have developed and the distinctive features of different classes of operating system.
• Appraise the role of memory management in controlling memory usage and enhancing system security.
• Use synchronization primitives to support cooperating sequential processes.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the nature of deadlock and to use appropriate techniques to avoid it.

Assessment will be by an examination at the end of the module.

Principles of Computers and either C++ Programming 2 or Java Programming 2 are pre-requisites for this module.

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