Back to course 'CS401: Operating Systems'

Topic outline

  • Unit 7: File System

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    File systems play an important role in the operating system. From the user's perspective, the file system is a simple filing cabinet. However, behind the scenes there is much complexity. We will discuss a general overview of file systems, a look at file allocation and methods as well as disk allocation algorithms.

    Completing this unit should take you approximately 15 hours.

    • Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

      • describe a file system and its purpose;
      • discuss various file allocation methods; and
      • explain disk allocation and associated algorithms.

    • 7.1: Introduction to File Systems

    • 7.2: File Allocation Methods

      • url icon
        File Management URL
        Students must
        Mark as done

        Read this page and  be sure to complete the simulations for each type of file management.

      • url icon
        The File System URL
        Students must
        Mark as done

        Read these slides.

    • 7.3: Disk Management Algorithms

      • url icon
        File Systems and Disk Management URL
        Students must
        Mark as done

        Read these slides.

      • page icon
        Queueing Models Page
        Students must
        Mark as done

        Watch the first lecture starting at 1:00:25, and watch the second lecture until 60:00.

      • url icon
        Disk Scheduling URL
        Students must
        Mark as done

        Read slides 4 through 15.

    • Unit 7 Activities

      • url icon
        Disk Scheduling Simulation Lab URL
        Students must
        Mark as done

        Complete both parts of the lab. Compare your results to the second part with those contained in the answer key.

      • url icon
        File System Simulation Lab URL
        Students must
        Mark as done

        Follow all directions and complete the laboratory. Save your results to a Word document as instructed and compare your results to the answer key.

      • url icon
        Disk Management Algorithms Exercises URL
        Students must
        Mark as done

        Review the material on disk management algorithms. Complete all problems. For problems 1 and 3, it might be easiest to use a spreadsheet to track the movement of the disk head as well as to calculate the number of cylinders moved. Compare your results with the answer key.