What is a kernel

Catus · 12-31-2013, 04:39 PM

What is a kernel

sycamorex · 12-31-2013, 04:50 PM

I assume that you're talking about the Linux kernel
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_kernel

metaschima · 12-31-2013, 05:08 PM

I would say this article would be more helpful:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abstraction_layer

A kernel is a software abstraction layer that runs just above the firmware / hardware, and just below the applications. Its main function is to provide drivers that help programs interface with devices.

frankbell · 12-31-2013, 08:29 PM

The kernel is the brains and traffic cop of the operating system. It enable programs to run and talk to other programs and to hardware.

Here's a good definition in more or less plain English: http://searchenterpriselinux.techtar...inition/kernel

Ztcoracat · 12-31-2013, 11:20 PM

The Linux kernels are modular.
The functionality is contained in modules that are loaded into the kernel dynamically.
A module is a peice of a kernel that can be optionally loaded into the kernel- (brains)

This keeps the core small and makes it possible to load or replace modules in a running kernel w/o rebooting.

There is also more than one version of the kernel-
https://www.kernel.org/
http://kernelnewbies.org/KernelBuild