Kernel (computer science)

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.

1. ↑ "Kernel". Linfo. Bellevue Linux Users Group.