What is the main function of a microkernel in operating systems?

a) To perform minimal tasks such as communication and I/O, leaving other services to user space

b) To manage all system resources directly

c) To control the entire file system

d) To allocate memory for all processes

Answer:

a) To perform minimal tasks such as communication and I/O, leaving other services to user space

Explanation:

A microkernel is a minimalist approach to operating system design, where only the most essential functions such as communication, basic I/O operations, and CPU scheduling are handled by the kernel itself. Other functions like device drivers, file systems, and networking are run in user space.

This design improves modularity, as additional services can be managed in user space, allowing for easier system upgrades and fault isolation. Microkernels also enhance system stability by reducing the amount of code running in privileged mode.

In contrast, monolithic kernels include many more services within the kernel space. Microkernels are typically more secure and reliable, though they may introduce performance overhead due to the separation of components.

Reference:

Operating System MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions)