Module 1: Computer Architecture Refreshment

This module explains how the modern computer is constructed and how programs execute on this computer architecture.

Lessons

• Computer Architecture: CPU, Registers, Cache, Memory, Input and Output Devices
• Just Enough Assembly Language to Get By
• Program Execution Model: Compilation, Linkage, Loading, Execution

After completing this module, students will be able to:

Module 2: C Programming Basics

This module explains how to develop programs in the C programming language and exposes concepts such as variables, data structures, stack vs. heap allocation and function execution.

Lessons

• Variables and Data Structures
• Functions and Stack: Calling Functions
• Dynamic Memory Allocation

Lab: Computer Architecture and C Programming

• Calling functions
• Tracing through assembly code

After completing this module, students will be able to:

Module 3: Windows History and Characteristics

This module explains how to approach the Windows operating system using various APIs including Win32, and the motivation, history and design goals of Windows.

Lessons

• The Evolution of Windows: Windows 1.0 through Windows Vista
• Back to 1989: Windows NT Design Goals
• Windows Versions and Editions
• Windows Programming Interfaces: Win32, COM, .NET

After completing this module, students will be able to:

Module 4: Win32 Programming Primer

This module explains in brief how the operating system implements windows, message passing between windows, kernel objects and handles, processes and threads and synchronization mechanism. This module serves as an exposition to provide a common ground for examining system internals.

Lessons

• Introduction to Win32 API Paradigms
• Windows and Window Procedures
• Message Loops and Window Messages
• Kernel Objects and Handles
• Creating, Using and Sharing Objects
• Processes and Threads
• Synchronization Mechanisms
• Structured Exception Handling
• An Introduction to NT File System (NTFS)
• Dynamic Link Libraries (DLLs) and Loading
• Inter-Process Communication

Lab: Basic Win32 Concepts

• Theoretical questions about Win32 basic concepts

After completing this module, students will be able to:

Module 5: Tools

This module explains how to use troubleshooting, inspection and debugging tools to examine the internals of the operating system and troubleshoot Windows applications. This module exposes the tools only briefly