kernel

  In computing, the kernel is the main component of most computer operating systems it is a bridge between applications and the actual data processing done at the hardware level. The kernel s responsibilities include managing the system s resources (the communication between hardware and software components).[1] Usually as a basic component of an operating system, a kernel can provide the lowest-level abstraction layer for the resources (especially processors and I/O devices) that application software must control to perform its function. It typically makes these facilities available to application processes through inter-process communication mechanisms and system calls.