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Operating System notes

The document provides an overview of the kernel, its functions, types (Monolithic, Microkernel, Hybrid, Nano, and Exo), and the differences between an operating system and a kernel. It also explains the concept of a shell as an interface for users and details system calls, their services, features, and advantages. Overall, it highlights the kernel's role as an essential component of the operating system that facilitates communication between hardware and software applications.

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Prakher
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3 views

Operating System notes

The document provides an overview of the kernel, its functions, types (Monolithic, Microkernel, Hybrid, Nano, and Exo), and the differences between an operating system and a kernel. It also explains the concept of a shell as an interface for users and details system calls, their services, features, and advantages. Overall, it highlights the kernel's role as an essential component of the operating system that facilitates communication between hardware and software applications.

Uploaded by

Prakher
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Kernel

It is a part of operating system.


Is lowest layer of operating system.
Act as interface between hardware and software
applications of a computer.

Department of Mathematical and Computational Sciences,


NITK, Surathkal
Functions of Kernel

To establish communication between user level application and


hardware.
To decide state of incoming processes.
To control disk management.
To control memory management.
To control task management.

Department of Mathematical and Computational Sciences,


NITK, Surathkal
Types of Kernel
1) Monolithic Kernel:
All the operating system services run in Kernel space which provides
efficient communication between components.
Example: Linux, Solaris.
Advantages
It provides CPU scheduling, memory scheduling, file management through
System calls.
Execution of the process is fast as there is no separate space.
Disadvantages
If the service fails, then the system failure happens.
If you try to add new services then the entire Operating System needs to
be modified.
Department of Mathematical and Computational Sciences,
NITK, Surathkal
2) Microkernel :The user services and kernel services are implemented
into different spaces.
Because of using User Space and Kernel Space separately, it reduces
the size of the Kernel and in turn, reduces the size of the Operating
System.
The advantage of microkernel is that it can easily add new services at
any time.
The disadvantage of microkernel is that here we are using User Space
and Kernel Space separately. So, the communication between these
can reduce the overall execution time.

Department of Mathematical and Computational Sciences,


NITK, Surathkal
3) Hybrid Kernel
It is the combination of both Monolithic Kernel and Microkernel. It
uses the speed of the Monolithic Kernel and the modularity of
Microkernel.
4) Nano kernel
The name suggests the complete code of the kernel is very small,
which means the code executing in the privileged mode of the
hardware is very small.
5) Exo kernel
In this type of kernel, the resource protection is separated from the
management which results in allowing us to perform application
specific customization.
Department of Mathematical and Computational Sciences,
NITK, Surathkal
Difference between Operating system and Kernel
 Operating System provides  Kernel provides interface
interface between user and between applications and
hardware. hardware.

 All system needs operating  All operating systems need


system to run. kernel to run.

 The operating system is a  The kernel is a relatively


more complex system that small and simple
includes a large number of component of the
components. operating system,

 It is the first program to  It is the first program to


load when computer bootsand Computational
Department of Mathematical load Sciences,when operating
NITK, Surathkal
Shell
A shell is an environment or a special user program which
provide an interface to user to use operating system services.

Department of Mathematical and Computational Sciences,


NITK, Surathkal
Department of Mathematical and Computational Sciences,
NITK, Surathkal
System Calls
System Calls provide the interface between a process and the
operating system.
 These calls are generally available as assembly-language instructions.
 A system call is a way for programs to interact with the operating
system.

Department of Mathematical and Computational Sciences,


NITK, Surathkal
Services Provided by System Calls

Process creation and management


Main memory management
File Access, Directory, and File system management
Device handling(I/O)
Protection

Department of Mathematical and Computational Sciences,


NITK, Surathkal
Features of System Calls
Interface

Protection

Kernel Mode

Context Switching

Error Handling

Synchronization
Department of Mathematical and Computational Sciences,
NITK, Surathkal
System Calls Advantages

Access to hardware resources

Memory management

Process management

Security

Standardization
Department of Mathematical and Computational Sciences,
NITK, Surathkal

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