Kernel (computer science)
main component of most computer operating systems / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A kernel is the central part of an operating system. It manages the operations of the computer and the hardware, most notably memory and CPU time.[1] Kernels also provide services which programs can use through system calls.
There are five types of kernels:
- A micro kernel - A kernel which only contains the basic functionality;
- A monolithic kernel - A kernel which contains many device drivers. The Linux kernel is an example of a monolithic kernel.
- Hybrid Kernel - The Microsoft Windows NT kernel is an example of a hybrid kernel.
- Exokernel
- Nanokernel
A typical computer user never interacts directly with the kernel. It runs behind the scenes and cannot be seen, except for the text logs that it prints.