Malware: Fighting Malicious Code

What Is the Kernel?

Before we get ahead of ourselves, let's take a look at the kernel's role in the operating system. In most operating systems, including UNIX and Windows, the kernel is special software that controls various extremely important elements of the machine. As illustrated in Figure 8.1, the kernel sits between individual running programs and the hardware itself. Performing various critical housekeeping functions for the operating system and acting as a liaison between user-level programs and the hardware, the kernel serves a critical role. Many kernels, including those found in UNIX and Windows systems, include the following core features:

• Process and thread control. The kernel dictates which programs run and when they run by creating ...