Introduction to Kernel Space
Understand the differences between user mode and kernel mode, and the privileged operations available in the kernel.
Welcome to Kernel Space
When you use your computer, programs run in different 'modes' or 'spaces'. These modes determine what a program can and cannot do.
Today, we'll dive into Kernel Space, the most powerful and critical part of your operating system (OS). Understanding it is key to low-level programming.
User Mode: The Sandbox
Most applications you use daily – browsers, games, word processors – run in User Mode (also called User Space).
- Limited Access: User mode programs have restricted access to hardware and critical memory.
- Safety First: This isolation prevents a faulty app from crashing the entire system.
- Indirect Interaction: Apps must ask the OS for sensitive operations, like reading a file or accessing a network.
All lessons in this course
- Introduction to Kernel Space
- Writing Simple Device Drivers
- Interfacing with Hardware Directly
- Synchronization and Concurrency in Kernel Space