Ask A Scientist© Computer Science Archive

Index Key:   COM015
Author:      tom karchesy
Subject:     Kernel.
I have heard about the DOS Kernel, and Windows Kernel.  And I guess you need
a "shell" to use (access?) it.  What exactly is the Kernel (why is it called
kernel)?  Does UNIX have a Kernel?

Response #:  1 of 1
Author:      sysop
I have never heard of DOS and Windows as kernels.  UNIX has a Kernel.
Basically, a kernel refers to the basic code that is used to start a
computer.  It is the OPERATING SYSTEM or O/S.  The kernel is the part of the
O/S that is loaded when the machine boots.  It contains information on the
specifics on the hardware and environment that the O/S is running on and 
configures the O/S to run on that machine.

In my limited knowledge about the specifics about the DOS and UNIX O/S from
a working standpoint, I do not think DOS would be considered to have a
kernel.  The same files are used to load the O/S for all systems.  If it has
one, it would be the same for all systems.  Windows is not an O/S.  It runs
on top of DOS (the O/S).  But, Windows does have a set of files which act
like a kernel.  So, even though it might not be called a kernel, Widows does
have something like it.