Introduction to Operating Systems
AJT Colin
Sold by Crappy Old Books, Barry, United Kingdom
AbeBooks Seller since 6 February 2025
Used - Hardcover
Condition: Used - Good
Ships from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketSold by Crappy Old Books, Barry, United Kingdom
AbeBooks Seller since 6 February 2025
Condition: Used - Good
Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketIntroduction to Operating Systems (1971) by A. J. T. Colin is a charmingly understated title for a subject that is, in reality, the invisible stage manager of modern life. Operating systems are the reason anything works at all, yet they rarely get applause. They just stand in the wings, shuffling tasks, managing memory, and quietly preventing everything from collapsing into chaos ? a bit like a competent civil servant, but with fewer tea breaks and more interrupts. And this is 1971 , when ?operating system? didn?t mean a colourful interface and a friendly app store. It meant big machines, serious institutions, and the thrilling possibility that your expensive computer might be persuaded to do more than one thing without having a nervous breakdown. This is the era of batch jobs, time-sharing, job control, scheduling, spooling, and the sort of concepts that sound dry until you realise they?re basically the rules that stop a computer from turning into a very fast paperweight. Colin?s approach is wonderfully of its time: methodical, clear, and quietly confident that the reader is capable of learning difficult things without being emotionally coddled. There are no ?quick wins? here. No motivational graphics. No friendly mascots. Just proper explanations, likely accompanied by diagrams that look like they were drawn with a ruler and a firm belief in correctness. The real joy is that this book captures the moment when computing was transitioning from ?one program, one machine, one job? into something more ambitious ? systems that could share resources, keep order, and serve multiple users without collapsing into a queue of despair. In other words, it?s about teaching the computer to behave like a well-run building rather than a single-use workshop. And yes, there?s something deliciously ironic about reading a 1971 operating systems textbook now, in a world where your phone is running an OS capable of doing roughly everything except making you feel calm. Back then, the grand challenge was allocating memory. Today, the grand challenge is stopping your operating system from politely suggesting you ?try a mindfulness app? while it updates itself in the background. Condition (Good, and proudly functional) This copy is in Good condition ? the ideal state for a book about systems doing their job properly. It presents well, holds together firmly, and has clearly survived the decades without being used as a doorstop for a server room. If it has any signs of age, they?re the honest kind: a bit of mellowing, a bit of history, but still solid, readable, and ready for another round of education. Why you want it Because it?s vintage computing with real substance. This isn?t nostalgia for blinking lights ? it?s the intellectual infrastructure that made modern computing possible. It?s also a brilliant artefact for anyone who enjoys the deep mechanics of how machines are organised, controlled, and prevented from fighting over resources like toddlers in a toy shop. Perfect for: collectors of classic computing texts operating-systems nerds and students who like seeing the foundations programmers who enjoy the archaeology of ?how we got here? anyone who suspects the world is run by scheduling, queues, and polite rules Crappy Old Books offers it as a clean, sturdy survivor from the age of mainframes and disciplined prose ? a 1971 guide to the unseen system that keeps the whole machine from falling apart. Which, frankly, is also what we all want.
Seller Inventory # 5810
If you are a consumer you can cancel the contract in accordance with the following. Consumer means any natural person who is acting for purposes which are outside his trade, business, craft or profession.
INFORMATION REGARDING THE RIGHT OF CANCELLATION
Statutory Right to cancel
You have the right to cancel this contract within 14 days for any reason.
The cancellation period will expire after 14 days from the day on which you acquire, or a third party other than the carrier and indicated by you acquires, physical possession of the the last good or the last lot or piece.
To exercise the right to cancel, you must inform us, Crappy Old Books, 112 Cobb Close, SL3 9QY, Datchet, Berkshire, United Kingdom, +44 7745466608, of your decision to cancel this contract by a clear statement (e.g. a letter sent by post, fax or e-mail). You may use the attached model cancellation form, but it is not obligatory. You can also electronically fill in and submit a clear statement on our website, under "My Purchases" in "My Account". If you use this option, we will communicate to you an acknowledgement of receipt of such a cancellation on a durable medium (e.g. by e-mail) without delay.
To meet the cancellation deadline, it is sufficient for you to send your communication concerning your exercise of the right to cancel before the cancellation period has expired.
Effects of cancellation
If you cancel this contract, we will reimburse to you all payments received from you, including the costs of delivery (except for the supplementary costs arising if you chose a type of delivery other than the least expensive type of standard delivery offered by us).
We may make a deduction from the reimbursement for loss in value of any goods supplied, if the loss is the result of unnecessary handling by you.
We will make the reimbursement without undue delay, and not later than 14 days after the day on which we are informed about your decision to cancel with contract.
We will make the reimbursement using the same means of payment as you used for the initial transaction, unless you have expressly agreed otherwise; in any event, you will not incur any fees as a result of such reimbursement.
We may withhold reimbursement until we have received the goods back or you have supplied evidence of having sent back the goods, whichever is the earliest.
You shall send back the goods or hand them over to us or Crappy Old Books, 112 Cobb Close, SL3 9QY, Datchet, Berkshire, United Kingdom, +44 7745466608, without undue delay and in any event not later than 14 days from the day on which you communicate your cancellation from this contract to us. The deadline is met if you send back the goods before the period of 14 days has expired. You will have to bear the direct cost of returning the goods. You are only liable for any diminished value of the goods resulting from the handling other than what is necessary to establish the nature, characteristics and functioning of the goods.
Exceptions to the right of cancellation
The right of cancellation does not apply to:
Model withdrawal form
(complete and return this form only if you wish to withdraw from the contract)
To: (Crappy Old Books, 112 Cobb Close, SL3 9QY, Datchet, Berkshire, United Kingdom, +44 7745466608)
I/We (*) hereby give notice that I/We (*) withdraw from my/our (*) contract of sale of the following goods (*)/for the provision of the following goods (*)/for the provision of the following service (*),
Ordered on (*)/received on (*)
Name of consumer(s)
Address of consumer(s)
Signature of consumer(s) (only if this form is notified on paper)
Date
* Delete as appropriate.
| Order quantity | 14 to 45 business days | 5 to 10 business days |
|---|---|---|
| First item | £ 20.05 | £ 26.85 |
Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.