Multithreaded programming can strengthen an operating systems course

Today, virtually all operating systems support multithreaded programming. In fact, threads are easier to use and more efficient than processes. This paper presents a possible way of using multithreaded programming to strengthen an operating systems course. More precisely, the lecture hours are divided into a theory track and a programming track. The former concentrates on the traditional topics, while the latter consists of seven programming assignments and one mini-project that can provide students with a comprehensive coverage of the use of multithreaded programming in the design of various operating system components. These assignments also serve as a vehicle for introducing interesting materials (e.g., PRAM models) that are normally not available in a typical operating systems course. © 2002, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC