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Linux Kernel Explorer

The kernel isn't a process—it's the system. It serves user processes, reacts to context, and enforces separation and control.

  • The Kernel Is Not a Process: It's the always-present authority bridging hardware and software.
  • Serving the Process: Orchestrates syscalls, interrupts, and scheduling to keep user tasks running.
  • System of Layers: Virtual, mapped, isolated, and controlled—structure at runtime.

📚 Study Files

init/main.c

kernel/fork.c

include/linux/sched.h

arch/x86/kernel/entry_64.S

1

.

What is the fundamental difference between the kernel and a process?

A.The kernel is a special process with elevated privileges

B.The kernel is not a process—it's the system itself that serves processes

C.The kernel is just a library that processes link against

D.There is no difference; they are the same thing

2

.

How does the kernel primarily serve user processes?

A.By running as a background daemon

B.By orchestrating syscalls, interrupts, and scheduling

C.By providing a GUI interface

D.By compiling user code

3

.

What characterizes the kernel's system of layers?

A.Physical, tangible, and direct

B.Simple and flat with no hierarchy

C.Virtual, mapped, isolated, and controlled

D.User-accessible and modifiable