| 6.033 - Computer System Engineering | Handout 4 - February 09, 1999 |
This lecture will cover topics on the structure of systems. The optional reading assignment is Tanenbaum, chapter 1.
In preparation for this section, read Scheifler and Gettys' "The X Window system" (reading #9). X was developed at MIT and is used all over the world (including on Athena). It is an excellent example of a well-designed system and demonstrates many of the topics we will discuss in 6.033 (including hierarchy, complexity, and system organization).
We will attempt to hand back your corrected reading reports in this section, so you can use your TA's feedback to improve your next writing assignment.
Today is virtual Monday, so there will be a lecture instead of recitation. Today's lecture will be on virtual memory.
Since we ran out of Tuesdays this week, your one-page reading report is
due on Thursday, in the next recitation.
Today's lecture will be based on the different levels of memory systems. The optional reading for this lecture is Tanenbaum, chapter 3.
Today you should turn in your second written assignment. Your one-page report should address the following question which is based on Ted Kaehler's "Virtual Memory for an Object-Oriented Language" (reading #10).
Kaehler's "Virtual Memory for an Object-Oriented Language" talks about how an object-oriented virtual memory design can improve performance of a system when compared to a page-based virtual memory design. But an object-oriented memory system has its disadvantages too.
Can you think of two significant disadvantages of using an object-oriented virtual memory system as opposed to a page-based virtual memory system?
Remember that you can check out the 1998 6.033 web pages for examples of good one-page reading reports. Also, please apply the guidelines you learned in the special lecture offered by the Writing Program; check the 6.033 FAQ for formatting instructions.
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