Chapter 1 : Introduction

What is the kernel ?

Kernel is the core of an operating system . Operating System receives the request from user and processes it on user’s behalf. Requests are received by command shell or some other kind of user interface and are processed by the kernel. So, kernel acts like an engine of the operating system which enables a user to use a computer system. Shell is the outer part of the operating system that provides an interface to the user for communicating with kernel.

Fig. 1.1 Layout of an Operating System