Description

Theory
1

Theory/Practice
1

Laboratory
2

Instructors

António Barros

Contents

P1: Computer Systems Architecture
- The evolution of computers
- Von Neumann architecture
- Instruction execution by a processor
- Machine language and high-level languages
 

P2: Operating System Architecture
- Evolution of operating systems
- Types and functionalities of an operating system
- Fundamental abstractions: processes and files
- Resource management
- Processor scheduling: criteria and scheduling algorithms
 

P3: Representation and Operation of Digital Data/Information
- Representation of data in binary format
- Arithmetic and logical operations
 

P4: UNIX Command Line Interface
- File management
- Redirection and pipes
- Process control
- Metacharacters and regular expressions
- Program execution
 

P5: Shell Script Programming
- Automation of operations
- Development of basic shell scripts
 

P6: Software Development and Execution on a Computer

Learning Outcomes

The objective of this course unit is to present a computational system as a hierarchy of virtual machines and to study the different levels within that hierarchy. This study will cover various levels of abstraction, ranging from hardware and operating systems (including their main components and the use of the shell), to programming languages and environments that support users and application development.

The course outcomes (CO) are as follows:
- CO1: Describe the historical evolution of computers.
- CO2: Discuss the organisation of components and the role of each in a modern computer.
- CO3: Explain the structure and functioning of modern operating systems.
- CO4: Explain the fundamental role of the Central Processing Unit.
- CO5: Explain how a computer stores information and understand the role of Boolean Algebra in this domain.
- CO6: Adopt the fundamental concepts of program development and execution.
- CO7: Critically adopt Linux commands in Shell scripts to solve small-scale problems, selecting and exploring documentation.
- CO8: Present and discuss the work developed as a team.