The Kernel

As its name implies, the kernel is at the core of each UNIX system and is loaded in whenever the system is started up - referred to as a boot of the system.

It manages the entire resources of the system, presenting them to you and every other user as a coherent system. You do not need to know anything about the kernel in order to use a UNIX system. This information is provided for your information only.

Amongst the functions performed by the kernel are:

managing the machine's memory and allocating it to each process.
scheduling the work done by the CPU so that the work of each user is carried out as efficiently as is possible.
organising the transfer of data from one part of the machine to another.
accepting instructions from the shell and carrying them out.
enforcing the access permissions that are in force on the file system.

Did You Know?

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This UNIX Guide maintained by SillyDog701, portion of this Guide is based on UNIXhelp. UNIXhelp is copyright University of Edinburgh. This page was last modified on 14 March, 2006

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