Operating Systems: Three Easy Piece...
Wishlist
OSTEP ("oh step"), or the "the comet book", represents the culmination of years of teaching intro to operating systems to both undergraduates and graduates at the University of Wi…
Book Summary
Operating Systems: Three Easy Pieces is a free, open-source textbook by Remzi and Andrea Arpaci-Dusseau that teaches core OS concepts through three pillars: virtualization, concurrency, and persistence. It is widely used in university courses and praised for its clear, conversational explanations, practical code examples, and helpful homework problems, making it an excellent resource for students and self-learners.
This book is not available
Store  |
Condition |
Deals & Coupons | Price |
Est. Shipping |
Total |
Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sorry we could not find any result for “9781985086593” | ||||||
About Operating Systems: Three Easy Piece...
Operating Systems: Three Easy Pieces (OSTEP) by Remzi H. Arpaci-Dusseau and Andrea C. Arpaci-Dusseau is a comprehensive, freely available textbook that covers the fundamental principles of operating systems. The book is organized around three conceptual pillars: virtualization (CPU and memory), concurrency (threads and locks), and persistence (disks, file systems, and RAID). Each chapter combines clear explanations with practical code snippets, dialogue, and homework problems that reinforce learning. The authors' conversational style makes complex topics accessible, and the book is regularly updated with corrections and new material. It is widely adopted in undergraduate and graduate OS courses and is valued for its balance of theory and practice. This edition is a printed version of the freely available online text, suitable for students, instructors, and professionals seeking a solid foundation in operating systems.
Who should read Operating Systems: Three Easy Piece...?
This book is ideal for undergraduate and graduate students taking operating systems courses, self-taught programmers wanting to understand how computers work under the hood, and software engineers preparing for systems interviews. Instructors will find it a flexible teaching resource with homework problems and clear explanations. It also suits developers working with low-level systems, embedded devices, or performance-critical applications who need a practical, example-driven reference on processes, memory, concurrency, and file systems.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Clear, conversational writing style that makes complex OS concepts accessible
- ✓ Organized around three intuitive pillars: virtualization, concurrency, and persistence
- ✓ Includes practical code examples, dialogues, and homework problems for active learning
- ✓ Freely available online, with a low-cost printed edition for offline study
- ✓ Regularly updated and maintained by the authors, with errata and additional resources
Cons
- ✗ Some chapters assume prior programming experience in C, which may challenge beginners
- ✗ The printed edition may lag behind the latest online version in corrections and updates
- ✗ Coverage of advanced topics like distributed systems is limited compared to specialized texts
- ✗ Homework problems lack a solutions manual, making self-assessment harder
- ✗ The free online version's formatting and navigation may not suit all readers
Similar books
Frequently asked questions
Is this book suitable for beginners?
It is best for readers with some programming experience, especially in C. Beginners can still benefit but may need to supplement with introductory materials.
Does the book include exercises and solutions?
Yes, each chapter includes homework problems, but solutions are not provided in the book. Instructors may have access to separate solution guides.
Is the content up to date with modern operating systems?
The book covers fundamental concepts that remain relevant, with examples from Linux and other systems. The online version is regularly updated.
Can I use this book for self-study?
Yes, the clear explanations and practical examples make it well-suited for self-study, though working through the homework problems is recommended.
Is the printed edition the same as the free online version?
The printed edition is based on the free online text but may not include the very latest corrections and updates available online.
At Windsorbooks, we compare prices from trusted sellers so you can buy, rent, or sell textbooks at the best total price — shipping included.
As an Amazon Associate, Windsorbooks.com may earn a small commission on qualifying purchases.