20 Best Operating System Microproject Ideas for Diploma Students (C++/Linux) 💡

20 Operating System Microproject Ideas

1. Process Scheduling Simulator (FCFS, SJF): Develop a program that simulates First-Come, First-Served (FCFS) and Shortest Job First (SJF) process scheduling algorithms. The program should take process burst times as input and calculate and display the waiting time and turnaround time for each process, as well as the average waiting and turnaround times.
2. Deadlock Detection Simulation (Banker's Algorithm): Implement a program that simulates the Banker's algorithm to demonstrate deadlock avoidance. The program should take the number of processes, resources, and their current allocation and maximum needs as input and determine whether the system is in a safe state.
3. Memory Allocation Simulation: Create a program that simulates different memory allocation techniques like First Fit, Best Fit, and Worst Fit. The program should take a list of memory blocks and process sizes as input and show how each process is allocated memory, if possible.
4. Page Replacement Algorithm Simulation (FIFO, LRU): Develop a program to simulate page replacement algorithms, such as First-In, First-Out (FIFO) and Least Recently Used (LRU). The program should take a page reference string and the number of available frames as input and calculate the number of page faults for each algorithm.
5. Inter-Process Communication (IPC) using Pipes: Write a C/C++ program that uses pipes to allow two processes to communicate. One process should write a message to the pipe, and the other process should read and display it. This is a fundamental demonstration of IPC.

6. Simple Command-Line Shell: Create a basic command-line shell (like a mini-Bash) that can execute a few simple commands like ls, cat, and echo. This project requires understanding how the operating system handles command execution and I/O redirection.
7. Simple File System Simulator: Develop a program that simulates a simplified file system. It should allow users to create a directory, create a file within it, and perform basic operations like list and delete. This project gives a hands-on feel for how file systems are structured.
8. Process Synchronization using Semaphores: Write a program that demonstrates the Producer-Consumer problem using semaphores for process synchronization. One process produces an item, and another consumes it, ensuring they don't access a shared buffer simultaneously.
9. File Permission Management: Create a program that mimics the Linux chmod command. The program should allow a user to change the read, write, and execute permissions of a file.
10. Simulating a Simple Multithreading Program: Develop a program that uses multiple threads to perform a task, like calculating the sum of a large array. This project demonstrates the concepts of multithreading and the need for synchronization to prevent race conditions.
11. Directory Traversal and File Search: Write a program that traverses a directory tree (starting from a given directory) and searches for files with a specific name or extension. This project explores file system operations and recursion.
12. Disk Scheduling Simulation (SSTF, FCFS): Create a program that simulates disk scheduling algorithms like Shortest Seek Time First (SSTF) and First-Come, First-Served (FCFS). The program should take a queue of disk requests and the initial head position, then calculate the total head movement for each algorithm.

13. Simulating a Basic Virtual Memory System: Develop a small program that simulates a virtual memory system with a fixed number of physical memory pages. The program should demonstrate how a page fault occurs and how a simple page replacement algorithm works.
14. Process State Visualization: Create a program that simulates process states (e.g., New, Ready, Running, Waiting, Terminated) and visually represents their transitions. This project helps in understanding the process lifecycle.
15. User and Group Management: Write a program that can create and delete users and groups on a Linux system (using C/C++ or a scripting language). This is a practical project for understanding system administration concepts.
16. Basic Security Project (File Encryption/Decryption): Develop a program that encrypts and decrypts a text file using a simple algorithm. The project should demonstrate the use of file I/O and security principles.
17. Zombie and Orphan Process Demonstration: Write a C/C++ program that creates a zombie process (a child process that has terminated but has not been reaped by its parent) and an orphan process (a child process whose parent has terminated).
18. Kernel Module Development (Basic): This is an advanced project. Write a simple "Hello, World!" kernel module for a Linux system. This gives insight into how the operating system kernel is extended.
19. Bootloader Simulation: This is another advanced project. Write a small program that simulates a simple bootloader. It would load a small "operating system" (another program) and transfer control to it.
20. Basic Shell Script for System Maintenance: Create a shell script that performs common system maintenance tasks, such as cleaning up temporary files, checking disk usage, and backing up important directories. This project is a great way to learn scripting for system administration.