Modern Operating Systems

Before I get into the contents of the book, there’s something you’re probably burning to know: Yes, it’s basically the same as the US version, and yes, it’ll work just fine for your CS course. Now that that’s out of the way, onto the meat of the review. I saw another review say this should be given the title of “bible of operating systems,” and I am inclined to wholeheartedly agree with them. If you’re a Computer Science student who had to take OS this semester, or an Avocado eating JS programmer who’s trying to become a *REAL PROGRAMMER*, or even a casual PC user who’s trying to demystify the black box sitting on your desk, then this is for you. The author of this, as well as a Unix OS called Minix, is entirely knowledgeable on the subject; he has his Bias towards Microkernels, but I feel is able to to overcome his Bias and talk about other OS architectures in a neutral, informative way. No stone is unturned in this book: he gets into all the nitty-gritty of the subject. That’s not to say the book is boring, Tanenbaum is able to let his personality and sense of humor shine through. The book is not dry, by any stretch of the imagination, even though many consider the topic to be. The concepts are explained well, and illustrations are provided to help comprehension. That’s not to say they’re easy, or that you won’t hit road bumps in your reading (especially topics like Virtual Memory). However, that’s more due to the nature of the subject (OS design & function), rather than any author shortcomings. I will note though, that if you have programmed in a language such as Assembly, C, C++, or Rust, that will help you immensely in your comprehension. There’s plenty in here for user-interface programmers, as well. Concepts such as threading, file systems, and jailing are applicable for people who don’t do systems programming too, even if you program in Java or Ruby. All in all, not a book for everyone. It knows it’s audience, and it delivers to them well. If you have experience doing systems-level programming, it should only take you 1-2 months casually reading it.

So far, the questions from chapters 1-5 all matched the US version. Saved me a lot of money! There are some minor misprints, typos, smudges, etc throughout the text, but I don't know if those are also present in the normal version or not. As far as the book goes, the reading is mostly great. I wish it would go into a little bit more basic explanation on some things, as it feels like you need a lot of prior knowledge about the inner workings of computers to comprehend what it talks about. The end of chapter questions are the worst example of this. For most of the questions, you simply cannot answer them without serious google research. The reading does not prepare you for the questions.

Fast delivery in only two days. The book is very clear and smooth. One of the best textbooks about operating systems. Hope learn it very well by this book.

I don't normally go online to review textbooks I've been assigned from class, but I just wanted to take a moment to write a review because of how much I appreciated this book. I was initially bummed when this fat tomb came in the mail as it was a mandatory text for my OS class, but after I started reading it I actually came to really appreciate this book. One of my favorites of all my computer science classes if I am being honest. The authors do well explaining operating systems in parts and my favorite part? They have a sense of humor. I actually 𝘦𝘯𝘫𝘰𝘺𝘦𝘥 my reading homework. I'd even snicker out loud sometimes! I bought this book from a different sight, but I wanted to write my review where I thought the most people would see it. Thank you AST and HB for making this semester a little more enjoyable for me!

Very bad costumer experience. paid for a new book and the book that came to me looked like it was in a beg of student for a whole semester. not the first time it happened and wont be last. buy only 2nd hand books!!! they are cheaper and have the same look.

Great for OS knowledge. Worth the while to read, although is a thick big.

El libro cumple las expectativas y la presentación es excelente. La crítica es porque lamentablemente se me duplicó el producto, lo quise devolver y no hubo absolutamente ninguna respuesta (ni siquiera de rechazo a la solicitud), ni del vendedor ni de amazon.

Great book.

This is new edition of Tanenbaum's textbook. Added some Linux and Android OS chapters. It's a textbook to go to, nothing to add here.

Un must have