OS Kernel

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Main Characteristics of the Kernel

• The computer's kernel is the core part of the operating system.

• It is responsible for managing and controlling communication between hardware and software.

• The kernel is located at the highest level of the operating system.

• It controls the basic operations of the system and manages various hardware and software resources.

Types of Kernel

1. Monolithic

   • Most system functions are handled in a single kernel.

2. Microkernel

   • Only basic functions are handled in the kernel, and other functions are executed in user mode.

Main Functions of the Kernel

1. System Resource Management

   • The kernel manages system hardware resources.

   • This includes CPU time, memory, and input/output devices.

   • It allocates and releases memory and CPU time for each process and thread, so that programs can use as much memory as needed.

2. Hardware Abstraction

   • The kernel acts as an intermediary between hardware and software.

   • It provides a unified interface for various hardware devices.

   • Applications can operate in a consistent way without knowing the details of each hardware device.

3. System Call Interface

   • Applications invoke kernel functions to access hardware resources or perform various operations.

   • This interface is called a system call, and it mediates interaction between applications and the kernel.

4. Security and Access Control

   • The kernel manages access rights to system resources and data.

   • It maintains separation between users and applications, strengthens security, and protects the system from illegal access and malicious actions.

5. Interrupt Handling

   • Communication between hardware and software is mediated by a mechanism called interrupts.

   • Interrupts notify the kernel of unexpected situations or events.

   • Through this, the system can handle external input or device operations in a timely manner.