A Web-based Interactive and Visualized Approach to Simulations of Operating Systems

Computer operating systems are complex systems with many components which are difficult to monitor, analyze, and learn. Operating systems simulators can help to overcome these challenges. This paper provides a brief review of operating system simulators and proposes Web VizOS, a web-based framework for interactive simulations and visualizations of operating system main concepts and mechanisms. This framework can be used for: (i)development, research, and optimization of each individual operating system mechanism; (ii)comparison and analysis of alternative methods in the same category; and (iii) study and research of operating systems in whole. This framework is designed to be comprehensive and can include all fundamental mechanisms in process management, memory management, I/O control, file and disk management. This simulation framework is open and flexible enough that users can develop their own codes for operating system mechanisms independently and still would be able to use this system to visualize, monitor, and analyze their performance.