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Intro to Operating Systems 1

Virtualization

4.5 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Based on 175 ratings
see reviews
Patrick Ester

Learn the inner workings of operating systems without installing anything!

This course is designed for learners who are looking to maximize performance by understanding how operating systems work at a fundamental level. The modules in this course cover the basics of the C language, processes, scheduling, and memory.

Read more

Learn the inner workings of operating systems without installing anything!

This course is designed for learners who are looking to maximize performance by understanding how operating systems work at a fundamental level. The modules in this course cover the basics of the C language, processes, scheduling, and memory.

To allow for a truly hands-on, self-paced learning experience, this course is video-free. Assignments contain short explanations with images and runnable code examples with suggested edits to explore code examples further, building a deeper understanding by doing. You’ll benefit from instant feedback from a variety of assessment items along the way, gently progressing from quick understanding checks (multiple choice, fill in the blank, and un-scrambling code blocks) to slowly building features, resulting in large coding projects at the end of the course.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction
Processes and Execution
Scheduling
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Ideal for non-programmers who want to understand operating systems
Covers core concepts like processes, scheduling, and memory
Focuses on building a strong foundation in operating systems for beginners
Utilizes a unique video-free approach with runnable code examples for hands-on learning
Emphasizes understanding concepts rather than relying solely on memorization

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Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
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Reviews summary

Hands-on os fundamentals with c

According to learners, this course offers a largely positive and highly practical introduction to operating system fundamentals. Students particularly praise the hands-on exercises and challenging yet rewarding projects within the Codio environment, which provide immediate feedback and solidify understanding. While the text-based format and lack of video lectures are effective for many self-learners, some find it challenging. It provides in-depth coverage of topics like processes and memory, but students note that a strong background in C programming is highly beneficial despite the "intro" title.
Generally effective for hands-on labs, but occasional clunkiness or debugging issues.
"The hands-on exercises in the Codio environment are just perfect."
"The Codio environment sometimes felt a bit clunky, too."
"debugging in Codio felt cumbersome at times. It felt like I was spending more time fighting the platform..."
"The Codio platform generally works."
Self-paced format is effective for some, but others miss video explanations.
"The content is solid, but the format is a bit dry. I struggled with the purely text-based approach and missed having video explanations..."
"No videos, but the explanations are sufficient."
"I found the self-paced nature helpful for fitting it into my schedule."
"Some sections could use a bit more conceptual overview, especially when introducing new, complex ideas."
Provides a fundamental and detailed understanding of OS internals.
"The content is extremely well-structured... Highly recommend for anyone looking to truly grasp OS internals."
"it truly makes you understand how OS functions at a low level. No videos, but the explanations are sufficient."
"The deep dive into processes and memory management with hands-on coding is unparalleled."
"This course fills a gap that many other OS courses miss: practical, low-level implementation."
Emphasizes hands-on application with challenging, rewarding exercises.
"The hands-on exercises in the Codio environment are just perfect. This course solidified my understanding of OS concepts..."
"The interactive labs are its biggest strength, providing immediate feedback and allowing me to experiment."
"The hands-on projects are challenging yet incredibly rewarding. I learned so much from debugging my own code in the provided environment."
"I particularly liked how the exercises build upon each other. It's intense and requires active engagement, which is great for retention."
The 'intro' title is misleading; a strong C background is crucial.
"a stronger background in C is definitely beneficial, which wasn't clearly stated."
"It does require some dedication... I think the difficulty ramps up pretty quickly, especially if you're not comfortable with C."
"Misleading title. This is not for beginners without prior C experience. I found myself overwhelmed by the coding challenges..."
"I spent more time trying to understand the syntax or debugging minor platform issues than learning OS concepts."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Intro to Operating Systems 1: Virtualization with these activities:
Read Modern Operating Systems by Andrew S. Tanenbaum
Gain a comprehensive understanding of modern operating system concepts and architectures by reading this classic textbook.
View Modern Operating Systems, Global Edition on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book thoroughly, taking notes and highlighting important concepts.
  • Complete the exercises and review questions at the end of each chapter.
  • Discuss the book's concepts with classmates or online forums.
Participate in peer-led discussion groups on operating systems
Engage with peers, share knowledge, and clarify concepts through active participation in discussion groups focused on operating systems.
Browse courses on System Design
Show steps
  • Find or create a peer-led discussion group on operating systems.
  • Attend regular meetings and actively participate in discussions.
  • Present your understanding of specific topics to the group.
Trace operating system execution
Develop a deeper understanding of how processes execute by manually tracing the flow of execution through the system.
Browse courses on Processes
Show steps
  • Choose a simple program and compile it.
  • Start the program in a debugger.
  • Step through the code one instruction at a time, observing how the stack, registers, and memory are used.
  • Use print statements to output the values of key variables at different points in the execution.
  • Repeat the process with different programs of increasing complexity.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Follow tutorials on operating system internals
Deepen your understanding of operating system internals by following guided tutorials and exploring source code.
Browse courses on System Programming
Show steps
  • Find reputable tutorials on operating system internals.
  • Follow the tutorials step-by-step, experimenting with the provided code.
  • Read the source code of real-world operating systems, such as Linux or Windows.
  • Join online communities and forums dedicated to operating system development.
Design and implement a simple memory management scheme
Gain hands-on experience with memory management concepts by designing and implementing a simple memory allocator.
Browse courses on Memory Management
Show steps
  • Research different memory allocation algorithms and data structures.
  • Design your own memory management scheme.
  • Implement the scheme in C.
  • Test the scheme with a variety of programs.
  • Analyze the performance of the scheme and make improvements.
Write a blog post on a specific operating system topic
Strengthen your understanding of operating system concepts by writing a blog post that explains a specific topic in detail.
Show steps
  • Choose a specific operating system topic that you are interested in.
  • Research the topic thoroughly, gathering information from various sources.
  • Organize your thoughts and structure your blog post logically.
  • Write the blog post in a clear and concise manner, using examples and illustrations to support your explanations.
  • Proofread your blog post carefully before publishing it.
Build a simple operating system kernel
Gain a comprehensive understanding of operating system fundamentals by building a simple kernel from scratch.
Browse courses on System Architecture
Show steps
  • Learn about the basic components of an operating system.
  • Design the architecture of your kernel.
  • Implement the core functionality of the kernel, such as process management, memory management, and I/O.
  • Test the kernel on a virtual machine or embedded system.
  • Optimize the kernel for performance and reliability.

Career center

Learners who complete Intro to Operating Systems 1: Virtualization will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Software Developer
Software Developers are at the forefront of creating and maintaining computer software. They code, design, and test software applications. An understanding of operating systems is key to writing software that optimizes system resources, freeing them up for other applications. This course helps Software Developers build a foundation in how operating systems work, and allows them to maximize performance of their own software applications.
See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer
Software Engineer
Software Engineers implement and maintain software applications. For them, understanding how to optimize computer resources is crucial, since the software they develop is used in incredibly diverse and dynamic environments. This course helps Software Engineers to develop a foundation in how operating systems work, which helps them to write software that runs efficiently on different systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer
Computer Systems Analyst
Computer Systems Analysts are responsible for analyzing computer systems and designing ways to improve their performance. This role is crucial for optimizing system resources and ensuring that an organization's technology runs smoothly. This course may be useful for Computer Systems Analysts, since it helps them to build a foundation in how operating systems work. By understanding how operating systems allocate and manage resources, Computer Systems Analysts are better able to optimize system performance.
See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Systems Analyst
Database Administrator
Database Administrators are responsible for maintaining and managing databases. They ensure that data is stored, organized, and retrieved efficiently. This course may be useful for Database Administrators, as it helps them understand how operating systems manage memory. Memory management is crucial for ensuring that databases are able to access and process data quickly and efficiently.
See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analysts are responsible for protecting an organization's information systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. Understanding how operating systems work is key to securing these systems, as it allows analysts to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities. This course may be useful for Information Security Analysts, as it provides a foundation in how operating systems manage processes and memory.
See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst
Network Administrator
Network Administrators are responsible for maintaining and managing computer networks. They ensure that networks are running smoothly and securely. Understanding how operating systems work is key to managing networks, as it allows administrators to identify and resolve issues. This course may be useful for Network Administrators, as it helps them to understand how operating systems manage network resources.
See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator
Systems Administrator
Systems Administrators are responsible for maintaining and managing computer systems. They ensure that systems are running smoothly and securely. This course may be useful for Systems Administrators, as it helps them to understand how operating systems work. By understanding how operating systems allocate and manage resources, Systems Administrators are better able to optimize system performance.
See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator
Technical Support Specialist
Technical Support Specialists provide technical support to users of computer systems. They help users resolve issues with hardware, software, and networks. Understanding how operating systems work is key to providing effective support, as it allows support specialists to identify and resolve issues quickly. This course may be useful for Technical Support Specialists, as it helps them to build a foundation in how operating systems work.
See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Support Specialist
Web Developer
Web Developers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining websites. Understanding how operating systems work is key to developing websites that are efficient and performant. This course may be useful for Web Developers, as it helps them to understand how operating systems manage memory and processes. By understanding how operating systems allocate and manage resources, Web Developers are better able to optimize the performance of their websites.
See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer
Computer Programmer
Computer Programmers write, test, and maintain computer programs. Understanding how operating systems work is key to writing programs that are efficient and performant. This course may be useful for Computer Programmers, as it helps them to understand how operating systems manage memory and processes. By understanding how operating systems allocate and manage resources, Computer Programmers are better able to optimize the performance of their programs.
See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer
Computer Scientist
Computer Scientists research and develop new ways to use computers to solve problems. Understanding how operating systems work is key to developing new computer systems. This course may be useful for Computer Scientists, as it provides a foundation in how operating systems work. By understanding how operating systems allocate and manage resources, Computer Scientists are better able to develop new systems that are efficient and performant.
See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Scientist
Data Analyst
Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help organizations make informed decisions. Understanding how operating systems work is key to managing and analyzing large datasets. This course may be useful for Data Analysts, as it helps them to understand how operating systems manage memory and storage. By understanding how operating systems allocate and manage resources, Data Analysts are better able to manage and analyze data efficiently.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst
Business Analyst
Business Analysts analyze business processes and recommend ways to improve them. Understanding how operating systems work may be useful for Business Analysts, as it helps them to understand how information systems are used in organizations. This course may be useful for Business Analysts, as it provides a foundation in how operating systems work. By understanding how operating systems allocate and manage resources, Business Analysts are better able to understand how information systems are used in organizations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst
Project Manager
Project Managers plan, organize, and manage projects. Understanding how operating systems work is not typically required for Project Managers. However, this course may be useful for Project Managers who are working on projects that involve the development or deployment of software.
See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager
Sales Manager
Sales Managers plan, organize, and manage sales teams. Understanding how operating systems work is not typically required for Sales Managers. However, this course may be useful for Sales Managers who are working with customers who are in the technology industry.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Intro to Operating Systems 1: Virtualization.
Cover image
Operating System Concepts
Save
This classic textbook provides a comprehensive overview of operating system concepts, covering topics such as processes, scheduling, memory management, and file systems. It valuable resource for students who want to learn the fundamentals of operating systems.
Operating System Concepts
Paperback
Check
Operating System Concepts
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Computer Systems: A Programmer's Perspective,...
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of computer systems, including operating systems, computer architecture, and networking. It valuable resource for students who want to learn about the hardware and software that make up computer systems.
Computer Systems: A Programmer's Perspective,...
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
The Linux Programming Interface
Save
Provides a detailed overview of the Linux programming interface. It valuable resource for students who want to learn how to write operating system-level programs.
The Linux Programming Interface: A Linux and UNIX...
Hardcover
$$$
The Linux Programming Interface: A Linux and UNIX...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
The Art of UNIX Programming
Save
Provides a detailed overview of the Unix programming environment. It valuable resource for students who want to learn how to use Unix effectively.
Art of UNIX Programming, The (Addison-Wesley...
Kindle Edition
$$
(中文) UNIX Programming Art - UNIX编程艺术
Paperback
$$$
(日本語) The Art of UNIX Programming
JP Oversized
$$$
Cover image
Modern Operating Systems, Global Edition
Save
This textbook provides a modern and up-to-date overview of operating system concepts. It covers topics such as virtual memory, concurrency, and distributed systems. It good choice for students who want to learn about the latest developments in operating systems.
Modern Operating Systems, Global Edition
Paperback
Check
Modern Operating Systems, Global Edition
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Docker Deep Dive
Save
Provides a detailed overview of Docker, a popular containerization technology. It valuable resource for students who want to learn how to use Docker to build and deploy applications.
Docker Deep Dive
Paperback
$$
Docker Deep Dive
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Operating Systems
Save
This online textbook provides a concise and accessible overview of operating system concepts. It good choice for students who want to learn the basics of operating systems without getting bogged down in too much detail.
Operating Systems: Three Easy Pieces
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Site Reliability Engineering
Save
Provides a detailed overview of site reliability engineering practices. It valuable resource for students who want to learn how to improve the reliability and performance of their websites and applications.
Site Reliability Engineering: How Google Runs...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The DevOps Handbook
Save
Provides a detailed overview of DevOps practices. It valuable resource for students who want to learn how to improve the efficiency and reliability of their software development and delivery processes.
The DevOps Handbook: How to Create World-Class...
Paperback
$$
The DevOps Handbook: How to Create World-Class...
Kindle Edition
$$
The Phoenix Project
Save
This novel provides a fictionalized overview of the principles and practices of DevOps. It valuable resource for students who want to learn about DevOps in a more engaging way.
The Phoenix Project: A Novel about IT, DevOps, and...
Paperback
$$
The Phoenix Project
Paperback
$$
The Phoenix Project: A Novel about IT, DevOps, and...
Kindle Edition
$$

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Rating
4.5 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Effort
8 hours to complete
Level
Intermediate
Via
Coursera
Institution
Codio
Instructor
Patrick Ester
Language
English
This course belongs to a collection called Introduction to Operating Systems. It's comprised of four courses:
  1. Intro to Operating Systems 1: Virtualization (viewing)
  2. Intro to Operating Systems 2: Memory Management
  3. Intro to Operating Systems 4: Persistence
  4. Intro to Operating Systems 3: Concurrency
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Ideal for non-programmers who want to understand operating systems
Covers core concepts like processes, scheduling, and memory
Focuses on building a strong foundation in operating systems for beginners
Utilizes a unique video-free approach with runnable code examples for hands-on learning
Emphasizes understanding concepts rather than relying solely on memorization
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