Teaching and Learning Page Replacement Algorithms using a Java']Java-Based Visualization Tool

This paper presents a Java-based visualization tool that uses graphical animation to convey the concepts of various page replacement algorithms. This tool is unique in a number of respects. First, it differentiates the read-access pages from the write-access ones, since the cost of replacing a page that has been modified is greater than for one that has not. Second, it allows the user to practice and test his understanding of the concepts he has learnt through a very easy-to-use graphical user interface. Third, it allows the user to compare the performance of two different algorithms or that of the same algorithm with different conditions in an easy manner. This tool can be used by teachers and students in Operating Systems courses as a teaching and learning aid or by anyone who is interested in page replacement algorithms.