What This Document Is
These are lecture review notes from CS 686: Computer Graphics at the University of San Francisco. The material centers around the intricacies of 64-bit computing architecture, specifically focusing on memory management and code relocation within a virtual address space. It delves into the mechanisms that allow programs to execute code residing at very high memory addresses, a crucial concept for understanding how modern operating systems and applications function. The notes explore the underlying principles of page mapping and the organization of memory tables.
Why This Document Matters
This resource is invaluable for students enrolled in advanced computer graphics or systems programming courses. It’s particularly helpful for those seeking a deeper understanding of how software interacts with hardware at a low level. These notes would be most beneficial while studying virtual memory, operating system design, or when debugging performance issues related to memory access. It’s designed to supplement lectures and provide a consolidated reference for complex topics. Students preparing to implement graphics engines or optimize code for performance will find this material particularly relevant.
Common Limitations or Challenges
These notes are a focused review of specific lecture content and do *not* constitute a comprehensive introduction to 64-bit architecture or computer graphics. They assume a foundational understanding of assembly language and basic operating system principles. The material presented builds upon concepts discussed in class, and may require additional research to fully grasp without the context of the lectures. It does not include complete, runnable code examples or step-by-step tutorials.
What This Document Provides
* An exploration of 64-bit virtual address space organization.
* Discussion of ‘canonical’ and ‘non-canonical’ address ranges.
* Overview of page-mapping table structures (including 4-level tables).
* Insights into code relocation techniques using linker scripts.
* Details regarding a demonstration program designed to execute code at high memory addresses.
* Information on disk partition layout related to the demonstration program.
* Reference to modifications made to a boot-loader program.
