What is the Difference Between Kernel and Operating System?

The main difference between a kernel and an operating system lies in their roles and functionalities within a computer system. Here are the key differences:

• Operating System: An operating system is a system software that acts as an interface between users and the machine, managing computer software and hardware resources. It provides a higher-level interface to the user, such as the GUI, command-line interface, and file system. The operating system is responsible for security and ease of doing system operations.
• Kernel: A kernel is a part of the operating system that converts user commands into machine language. It is the core component of an operating system and manages system resources, such as the CPU, memory, and I/O devices. The kernel's main tasks include memory management, process management, and task management. It provides an interface between applications and hardware.

In summary, an operating system acts as an intermediary between users and the computer, while a kernel is a component of the operating system that manages system resources and provides a low-level interface between applications and hardware. An operating system cannot function without a kernel, and a kernel is a crucial part of an operating system.

Comparative Table: Kernel vs Operating System

The main difference between a kernel and an operating system lies in their functions and components. Here is a comparison table highlighting the key differences:

In summary, the kernel is a core component of an operating system responsible for managing system resources and acting as a bridge between applications and hardware-level data processing. On the other hand, an operating system is a system software that provides an interface between users and hardware, managing computer hardware, software, and services for computer programs.