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Operating System: What Is Kernel?

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Chandan Karmakar
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10 views2 pages

Operating System: What Is Kernel?

Uploaded by

Chandan Karmakar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Operating System

What is Kernel?
Kernel is the core component of an operating system. Kernel is a software program that acts
as a bridge between applications and data processing performed at hardware level using inter-
process communication and system calls. It basically manages operations of memory and CPU
time.
When we start our computer kernel is one of the first, load in the memory and remains into
the memory the OS is shut down.
The primary function of the kernel is to manage system resources and provide services to the
higher-level software.
There are generally 5 types of kernel:
1. Monolithic Kernel
It is one of types of kernel where all operating system services operate in kernel space.
It has dependencies between systems components. It has huge lines of code which is
complex.
While the entire operating system is considered the kernel in a monolithic design, some
modern monolithic kernels still provide the ability to load and unload kernel modules
dynamically, allowing for some level of flexibility and modularity.
Advantages- efficient, low latency, simplicity
Disadvantage- Security vulnerable, Stability issue, less modularity
2. Micro Kernel
It is kernel types which has minimalist approach. It has virtual memory and thread
scheduling. It is more stable with less services in kernel space. It puts rest in user space.
It is use in small OS.
Advantages- Modularity, flexibility
Disadvantage- performance and complexity
3. Hybrid Kernel
It is the combination of both monolithic kernel and microkernel. It has speed and design
of monolithic kernel and modularity and stability of microkernel.
4. Exo Kernel
It is the type of kernel which follows end-to-end principle. It has fewest hardware
abstractions as possible. It allocates physical resources to applications.
5. Nano Kernel
It is the type of kernel that offers hardware abstraction but without system services.
Micro Kernel also does not have system services therefore the Micro Kernel and Nano
Kernel have become analogous.
The privileges kernel have:
1. Direct hardware access: The kernel has the authority to directly access hardware
resources, such as the CPU, memory, storage devices, and input/output devices,
without restrictions.

2. Memory management: The kernel manages and controls the allocation and deallocation
of system memory, including the ability to map memory addresses, allocate memory
to processes, and protect memory regions.

3. Process and thread management: The kernel has the ability to create, schedule, and
manage processes and threads. It can switch between different processes, allocate
CPU time, and handle process synchronization and communication.

4. Device management: The kernel controls and manages device drivers, allowing it to
interact with hardware devices, handle device interrupts, and coordinate
input/output operations.

5. System configuration and control: The kernel has the authority to configure and control
various system settings, such as network configurations, file system configurations,
security policies, and resource allocation.

6. Interrupt handling: The kernel handles and responds to interrupts generated by


hardware devices or exceptional events, ensuring proper handling of critical system
events.

A system call is a method for a computer program to request a service from the kernel of the operating
system on which it is running. A system call is a method of interacting with the operating system via
programs. A system call is a request from computer software to an operating system's kernel.

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