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What Is Kernel in Operating System

The kernel is the central component of an operating system that manages communication between software and hardware. It performs low-level tasks like scheduling processes, inter-process communication, and context switching. There are two main types of kernels: monolithic kernels provide all OS services in a single block of code, while microkernels separate services into different address spaces to reduce kernel and OS size.

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477 views4 pages

What Is Kernel in Operating System

The kernel is the central component of an operating system that manages communication between software and hardware. It performs low-level tasks like scheduling processes, inter-process communication, and context switching. There are two main types of kernels: monolithic kernels provide all OS services in a single block of code, while microkernels separate services into different address spaces to reduce kernel and OS size.

Uploaded by

milanabraham49
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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What is Kernel in Operating System?

The kernel is the central component of a computer operating


systems. The only job performed by the kernel is to the manage the
communication between the software and the hardware. A Kernel is
at the nucleus of a computer. It makes the communication between
the hardware and software possible. While the Kernel is the
innermost part of an operating system, a shell is the outermost one.

Introduction to Kernel

Features of Kennel

• Low-level scheduling of processes


• Inter-process communication
• Process synchronization
• Context switching
Types of Kernels

There are many types of kernels that exist, but among them, the two
most popular kernels are:

1. Monolithic

A monolithic kernel is a single code or block of the program. It


provides all the required services offered by the operating system. It
is a simplistic design which creates a distinct communication layer
between the hardware and software.

2. Microkernel

Microkernel manages all system resources. In this type of kernel,


services are implemented in different address space. The user
services are stored in user address space, and kernel services are
stored under kernel address space. So, it helps to reduce the size of
both the kernel and operating system.

Difference between Firmware and Operating


System

Firmware Operating System

Define Firmware: Define Operating System:

Firmware is one kind of OS provides functionality over and


programming that is embedded on above that which is provided by the
a chip in the device which firmware.
controls that specific device.
Firmware is programs that been OS is a program that can be installed
encoded by the manufacture of by the user and can be changed.
the IC or something and cannot be
changed.

It is stored on non-volatile OS is stored on the hard drive.


memory.

Difference between 32-Bit vs. 64 Bit Operating


System

Parameters 32. Bit 64. Bit

Architecture and Allow 32 bit of Allow 64 bit of data processing


Software data processing simultaneously
simultaneously

Compatibility 32-bit 64-bit applications require a 64-bit


applications OS and CPU.
require 32-bit
OS and CPUs.

Systems Available All versions of Windows XP Professional, Vista, 7,


Windows 8, Mac OS X and Linux.
Windows 7,
Windows Vista,
and Windows
XP, Linux, etc.

Memory Limits 32-bit systems 64-bit systems allow a maximum


are limited to 17 Billion GB of RAM.
3.2 GB of RAM.

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