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Kernel Mode Vs User Mode A Comprehensive Overview (1) (Read Only)

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Shivani Pradyuman Tyagi
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21 views

Kernel Mode Vs User Mode A Comprehensive Overview (1) (Read Only)

Uploaded by

Shivani Pradyuman Tyagi
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Kernel Mode vs.

User Mode: A
Comprehensive
Overview
This presentation will delve into the fundamental
concepts of kernel mode and user mode in operating
systems, exploring their differences in execution
privileges, memory access, and system call handling. We
will also examine their implications for system
stability and security.
GROUP MEMBERS : -
ARCHITA SRIVASTAVA RA2311003030010

SURYANSH AGGRAWAL RA2311003030011

SARTHAK GOYAL RA2311003030012

PRITISH SHARMA RA2311003030013


Definition of Kernel Mode
Kernel mode is the most privileged execution mode in an operating system. It grants the kernel
complete control over the system's hardware and resources.

Operating System Core Direct Hardware Access


The kernel is the heart of the operating In kernel mode, the kernel can directly
system, responsible for managing all essential interact with the system's hardware, such as
functions, including memory allocation, the CPU, memory, and peripherals.
process scheduling, and device management.
Definition of User Mode
User mode is the execution mode for regular applications and user programs. It restricts access
to the system's hardware and resources to prevent malicious or unintended actions.

Applications & Programs Restricted Access

User mode is where the majority of user-level User mode applications cannot directly access
applications, such as web browsers, word hardware or manipulate system resources. They
processors, and games, operate. must rely on the kernel to handle such
operations.
Differences in
Execution Privileges
Kernel mode enjoys full execution privileges, while user
mode has limited privileges, enforcing a strict
separation of power between the kernel and user
programs.
Mode Privileges

Kernel Mode Full access to hardware


and resources

User Mode Limited access,


restricted to predefined
system calls
Differences in Memory
Access
Kernel mode has access to all memory, including both
kernel space and user space. User mode is restricted to
its own user space, preventing direct access to kernel
memory.

Kernel Space
The memory area reserved for the kernel and
its data structures.

User Space
The memory area allocated to user programs
and applications.
Differences in System
Call Handling
User mode applications cannot directly execute system
calls. They must request system services through system
calls, which are handled by the kernel in kernel mode.

1 System Calls 2 Kernel


Interception
Interface between
user mode programs The kernel intercepts
and the kernel, system calls from
providing a user mode
controlled way to applications,
request privileged executes them in
operations. kernel mode, and
returns the results
to the user program.
Implications for System Stability and Security
The separation between kernel mode and user mode plays a crucial role in ensuring system stability and
security by limiting the potential impact of user programs on the system's core functionality.

Protection from Malicious Software System Integrity


User mode programs cannot directly modify or damage The kernel's privileged access ensures system
the kernel, limiting the impact of malware and integrity by preventing unauthorized modifications
viruses. or tampering.
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
Kernel mode and user mode are fundamental concepts that define the execution environment of operating systems.
Understanding their differences in privileges, memory access, and system call handling is crucial for comprehending how
operating systems manage system resources and ensure stability and security.

Kernel as the Foundation User Mode for Applications


The kernel is the bedrock of the operating system, User mode provides a safe and restricted environment for
responsible for managing hardware, scheduling processes, applications, allowing them to run without interfering
and providing essential services. with the kernel or other applications.

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