Difference Between Kernel and Operating System

Operating system is system program that runs on the computer to provide an interface to the computer user so that they can easily operate on the computer. Kernel is also a system program that controls all programs running on the computer. Kernel is basically a bridge between software and hardware of the system. The basic difference that distinguishes kernel and operating system is that operating system is the package of data and software that manages the resources of the system, and the kernel is the important program in the operating system. Let us find out some more differences between kernel and operating system with the help of comparison chart shown below.

Content: Kernel Vs Operating System

1. Comparison Chart
2. Definition
3. Key Differences
4. Conclusion

Comparison Chart

BASIS FOR COMPARISON	KERNEL	OPERATING SYSTEM
Basic	Kernel is an important part of the operating system.	Operating System is a system program.
Interface	Kernel is an interface between software and hardware of the computer.	Operating System is an interface between user and hardware of the computer.
Type	Monolithic kernels and Microkernels.	Single and Multiprogramming batch system, Distributed operating system, Realtime operating system.
Purpose	Kernel memory management, process management, task management, disk management.	In addition to the responsibilities of Kernel, Operating System is responsible for protection and security of the computer.

Definition of Kernel

Kernel is the core of the operating system. It is the first program of operating system that is loaded into the main memory to start the working of the system. Kernel remains in the main memory till the system is shut down. Kernel basically translates the commands entered by the user in a way to make the computer understand that what has user requested.

Kernel acts as a bridge between application software and hardware of the system. Kernel directly communicates with the hardware and  let it know what the application software has requested. An operating system is unable to run without the kernel as it is the important program for the working of the system.

Kernel takes care of the memory management, process management, task management and disk management. Kernel checks out the memory space for the proper execution of the application program. It creates and destructs memory which helps in execution of the software.

Kernel is classified as Monolithic kernel and Microkernel. In a Monolithic kernel, all the services of the operating system run along the main thread of the kernel that resides in the same area of memory where the kernel is placed. Monolithic kernel provides rich access to the hardware of the system. Microkernel is an abstraction over the hardware that uses the primitives or system calls to implement the services of operating system.

Definition of Operating System

Operating System is a system software that manages the system resources. Operating System acts as an interface between user and system hardware. The interface that Operating system provides let the user view the result of the command entered by the user. Running a system without the operating system is impossible. Application program runs in the environment provides by the operating system.

Operating system is a system program that runs all the time on the computer till it is shut down. The operating system is the first program that is loaded into the main memory when a computer boots ups. Once the operating system is loaded into the main memory, it is ready for the execution of application programs.

Operating system consist of an important program called kernel. Operating system can not work without the kernel. Operating system is bound to be responsible for the memory management, process management, storage management,  protection and security. Operating system is also responsible for handling the interrupts that occur while execution of a program.

Operating system is classified as single and multiuser operating system, multiprocessor operating system, Distributed operating system, Real-time operating system.

Key Differences Between Kernel and Operating System

1. The basic difference between an operating system and kernel is that operating system is the system program that manages the resources of the system, and the kernel is the important part (program) in the operating system.
2. kernel acts as an interface between software and hardware of the system. On the other hand, Opertaing system acts as an interface between user and computer.
3. Operating system can be further classified as Single and Multiprogramming batch system, Distributed operating system, Realtime operating system. On the other hand, a kernel is classified as monolithic kernels and microkernel.
4. Kernel take care of memory management, process management, task management and disk management. However, in addition to the responsibilities of the kernel, operating system is also responsible for protection and security of the system.

Conclusion:

An operating system is an important software, and it is impossible to run a system without an operating system. Kernel is an important program in Operating system and without kernel operating system won’t work.