If you want to learn Linux in order, the entry is here: Linux: Directory Index
1. What is a kernel?
The kernel is the most basic part of the operating system. It is a piece of software that provides many applications with secure access to computer hardware, this access is limited, and the kernel determines when and how long a program operates on a certain piece of hardware. The kernel is the core of an operating system. It is the first layer of software expansion based on hardware, provides the most basic functions of the operating system, and is the basis for the operation of the operating system. It is responsible for managing the process, memory, device drivers, files and network systems of the system, and determines the performance and performance of the system. stability.
2. What is a CPU?
The central processing unit (CPU, Central Processing Unit) is a large-scale integrated circuit, which is the computing core (Core) and control core (Control Unit) of a computer. Its function is mainly to interpret computer instructions and process data in computer software.
3. What is a processor?
The processor includes a central processing unit, a main memory, an input-output interface, and peripheral devices are added to form a complete computer system. A processor is a component that processes programs and data stored in a computer system and executes instructions according to the steps specified in the program. A program is a sequence of instructions that describe a processor to accomplish a task. An instruction is a unit of information that a processor can directly interpret and execute.
4. Comparison of the three
| Attributes | kernel | CPU | processor |
|---|---|---|---|
| software and hardware | software | hardware | hardware |
| composition | part of the software | A very large-scale integrated circuit | CPU, main memory, I/O interface, peripheral devices |
| Function | Manage the system's processes, memory, device drivers, files and network systems, which determine the performance and stability of the system | Primarily interpreting computer instructions and processing data in computer software | Process programs and data stored in computer systems and execute instructions in accordance with the steps specified in the program |
In simple terms, the processor refers to the hardware, which includes the cpu, and the kernel is the concept in the operating system, the core of the operating system, and belongs to the software part.