University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Language Mechanisms for Context Switching and Protection in Level Structured Operating Systems

Mckendry, Martin Stewart

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Description

Title
Language Mechanisms for Context Switching and Protection in Level Structured Operating Systems
Author(s)
Mckendry, Martin Stewart
Issue Date
1982
Department of Study
Computer Science
Discipline
Computer Science
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
Computer Science
Abstract
  • One of the problems in building a general purpose operating system is the construction of interfaces between programs that are interdependent but are loaded at different times. This thesis presents a model that generalizes the interfaces between these programs, and defines any two processes or systems that are in a server-user relationship to be at different levels of abstraction. Two high-level language mechanisms are proposed to control the interface. Software capabilities control access between levels and the Execute statement controls processor context switching between levels. The mechanisms rely on data typing to implement safety. They are shown to provide safe systems and to encourage systems that are well protected and exhibit an explicit hierarchical structure.
  • Software capabilities and the Execute statement are illustrated with a pilot implementation on the Prime 650. An experimental operating system that shows their use is discussed. Extensions are discussed to manage interrupts, timeslicing and preemption, and hardware protection mechanisms. Requirements for inclusion in other languages are presented and issues for further research are discussed.
Graduation Semester
1982
Type of Resource
text
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http://hdl.handle.net/2142/69503

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