Introduction to Computer Systems (ICS) | Carnegie-Mellon University

Explore the programmer's view of computer systems execution, information storage, and communication. Enhance your programming skills and prepare for advanced studies in computer science.

Introduction

The ICS course provides a programmer's view of how computer systems execute programs, store information, and communicate. It enables students to become more effective programmers, especially in dealing with issues of performance, portability and robustness. It also serves as a foundation for courses on compilers, networks, operating systems, and computer architecture, where a deeper understanding of systems-level issues is required.

Highlights

• Covers machine-level code and its generation by optimizing compilers
• Focuses on performance evaluation and optimization
• Explores computer arithmetic, memory organization and management
• Examines networking technology and protocols
• Supports concurrent computation

Recommendation

This course is highly recommended for students who want to become more effective programmers, especially in dealing with issues of performance, portability and robustness. It also serves as a valuable foundation for further studies in areas such as compilers, networks, operating systems, and computer architecture.