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Kernel
Kernel is the core part of an OS that does all major activities (such as memory allocation, CPU time scheduling,
etc.) of the operating system. Kernel helps in the initialization (booting) function, such as checking memory.
It allocates and de-allocates memory space which allows the software to run.
Applications
Kernel
CPU Memory Devices
Kernel provides services that intercept the hardware request (enables the use of hardware devices such as
USB, Printer, Scanner, etc.) from the application software. After intercepting the request, the kernel forwards
the request to device drivers or to special programs which control the functioning of hardware.
Device Driver
A device driver is a form of system software that enables a hardware device to be compatible with the
computer. It activates the specific hardware device that can be easily interpreted by the CPU resources. Device
drivers are operating system-specific and hardware-dependent computer programs that may automatically
get activated whenever that hardware device is attached to the computer.
Generally, we need to install the driver of the printer in the Operating System through its installation disc.
Devices from different manufacturers come with their own drivers to function properly.
Do you know?
Plug and Play is sometimes abbreviated as ‘PnP’. It refers to the devices that work with a computer
system as soon as it is connected. The user doesn’t need to manually install drivers for the device,
instead the computer recognizes the device & automatically installs its driver. For example: whenever
a pen drive is inserted into the USB, its driver is automatically installed.
TYPES OF OS
There are various types of operating systems. Some popular operating systems are:
Disk Operating System (DOS) UNIX
Solaris Microsoft Windows
GNU-Linux Macintosh Operating System
Mobile operating systems (Android, Symbian, Tizen)
Let us learn about some of the operating systems.
76 Touchpad Information Technology-IX

