Dr. Fienup is very helpful in class. Even if your fundamentals are weak in computer systems, he will cover them at the beginning to make you comfortable with the advanced systems. If you ask qsts on completely different systems (like hyper threading, dual core, etc); though it is not included in default course agenda, he is willing to talk about it (either in the class or at his office). In course mid terms and final, prof allows cheat sheet (8.5 by 11 paper and you can write on both sides). At one time he even allowed textbook in the finals; but it doesn't help much if you haven't already studied the material before. Prof grading is easy. Prof also uses the word "probably" a lot :)