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Good, but a little outdated. For general systems overview, as well as introduction to UNIX architecture, I'd actually recommend my textbook, which is the CMU in

Good, but a little outdated. For general systems overview, as well as introduction to UNIX architecture, I'd actually recommend my textbook, which is the CMU intro systems book, Computer Systems: A Programmer's Perspective[1]. For OS theory, our OS/advanced OS textbooks are fine, but for actual implementation my coworkers recommended The Design of the UNIX Operating System[2], Linux System Programming[3], and Understanding the Linux Kernel[4]. [1] http://www.amazon.com/Computer-Systems-Programmers-Randal-Bryant/dp/013034074X http://www.amazon.com/Computer-Systems-Programmers-Randal-Br... [2] http://www.amazon.com/Design-Operating-System-Prentice-Software/dp/0132017997 http://www.amazon.com/Design-Operating-System-Prentice-Softw... [3] http://oreilly.com/catalog/9780596009588/ http://oreilly.com/catalog/9780596009588/ [4] http://oreilly.com/catalog/9780596005658/ http://oreilly.com/catalog/9780596005658/

ericmc 17y ago
I also recommend Computer Systems: A Programmer's Perspective to anyone who wants an intro to systems. One of the best textbooks I've read.
michael_dorfman 17y ago
Outdated? I thought the Linux Kernel was outdated in comparison. The Minix kernel was rewritten from scratch in 2006 for version 3.
- Locke1689 17y ago
  OSDI (2nd) was written in 1997, perhaps you were thinking of this? http://www.amazon.com/Modern-Operating-Systems-3rd-GOAL/dp/0136006639/ref=pd_sim_b_1 http://www.amazon.com/Modern-Operating-Systems-3rd-GOAL/dp/0... Minix 3 is a whole different ball game though. It's an interesting kernel with some interesting ideas, but I still recommend Linux as it's both more popular and reflects the majority of UNIX design decisions today. Even the OSs with praise for microkernel design tend to incorporate a number of monolithic features. EDIT: Sorry! I had no idea there was a Third Edition of OSDI out http://www.pearsonhighered.com/educator/academic/product/0,,0131429388,00%2ben-USS_01DBC.html http://www.pearsonhighered.com/educator/academic/product/0,,.... However, I should mention that I meant those Linux books to be read in conjunction with the kernel code -- the book is still valid today despite the additions to the kernel in the past couple years.
  - michael_dorfman 17y ago
    The 3rd edition of OSDI is definitely worth reading. The MINIX3 kernel is only 4000 lines of code; very clean, and easy to wrap your head around.

ericmc 17y ago

I also recommend Computer Systems: A Programmer's Perspective to anyone who wants an intro to systems. One of the best textbooks I've read.

michael_dorfman 17y ago

Outdated? I thought the Linux Kernel was outdated in comparison. The Minix kernel was rewritten from scratch in 2006 for version 3.

Locke1689 17y ago
OSDI (2nd) was written in 1997, perhaps you were thinking of this? http://www.amazon.com/Modern-Operating-Systems-3rd-GOAL/dp/0136006639/ref=pd_sim_b_1 http://www.amazon.com/Modern-Operating-Systems-3rd-GOAL/dp/0... Minix 3 is a whole different ball game though. It's an interesting kernel with some interesting ideas, but I still recommend Linux as it's both more popular and reflects the majority of UNIX design decisions today. Even the OSs with praise for microkernel design tend to incorporate a number of monolithic features. EDIT: Sorry! I had no idea there was a Third Edition of OSDI out http://www.pearsonhighered.com/educator/academic/product/0,,0131429388,00%2ben-USS_01DBC.html http://www.pearsonhighered.com/educator/academic/product/0,,.... However, I should mention that I meant those Linux books to be read in conjunction with the kernel code -- the book is still valid today despite the additions to the kernel in the past couple years.
- michael_dorfman 17y ago
  The 3rd edition of OSDI is definitely worth reading. The MINIX3 kernel is only 4000 lines of code; very clean, and easy to wrap your head around.