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.

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