Computer Science 2211A/B Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Monolithic Kernel, Microkernel, Dennis Ritchie
10 Oct 2016
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Document Summary
The operating system can handle hardware changes through new drivers, the software also manages hardware resources. Software is easier and cheaper to implement with an operating system: under the operating system context, define the terms kernel and the term shell . The kernel is the core of the operating system. There are monolithic kernels and microkernels: explain the main differences between the two main kernel categories. A monolithic kernel is one very large program, which performs everything itself, although it is fast and efficient it is difficult to design and maintain. As opposed to the microkernel which is slower and less efficient yet easier to design and maintain due to modularity. The microkernel performs only basic tasks and calls upon a set of servers other functions to perform other tasks: under the operating system context, define the term multitasking . Multitasking involves running more than one program at a time: under the operating system context, define the term multiuser .
