Microkernel

Question 1

What is a Microkernel?

Answer 1

A piece of software that has a minimal amount of functions and features needed to implement an operating system

Question 2

Key functions of a Microkernel?

Answer 2

1. Minimalistic kernel designed to be as small as possible
2. Contains system IPC protocols and memory management functions
3. Oversees important services like CPU scheduling and memory management

Question 3

Advantage

Answer 3

The architecture is small and isolated helping it to function better

Question 4

Disadvantage

Answer 4

New commands need the interpreter program to be rewritten which can become complicated

Question 5

Purpose of a command interpreter and why is it separate to the kernel?

Answer 5

• main task is to understand and execute commands which turns into system calls. It allows users to enter commands in text-line format for the OS to perform e.g. UNIX Shell.
• the kernel is the central module of the OS, meaning it would be dangerous to have code that is prone to change as part of the kernel.

Question 6

How did Windows NT avoid Microkernel approach

Answer 6

Windows NT became a hybrid system due to speed. Minimal system components run through the Microkernel and the others run as servers communicating via message.