---
title: "What is an OS kernel? How different it is from an operating system?"  
description: "What is an OS kernel? How different it is from an operating system?"  
author: "Utpal Vishwas"  
published: 2023-07-13  
updated: 2023-07-14  
canonical: https://www.mindstick.com/forum/159071/what-is-an-os-kernel-how-different-it-is-from-an-operating-system  
category: "Operating System"  
tags: ["operating system"]  
reading_time: 2 minutes  

---

# What is an OS kernel? How different it is from an operating system?

What is an OS [kernel](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/96812/what-is-linux-kernel-is-it-legal-to-edit-linux-kernel)? How different it is from an [operating system](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/229069/operating-system-development)?

## Replies

### Reply by Aryan Kumar

Sure, I can help you with that.

An **OS kernel** is the core of an operating [system](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/23411/the-most-effective-method-to-find-the-perfect-small-business-phone-system-for-your-business). It is responsible for managing the computer's hardware resources, such as the CPU, memory, and disk. The kernel also provides services to other parts of the operating system, such as the file system and the user interface.

An **operating system (OS)** is a software that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer programs. An OS kernel is a vital part of an OS, but it is not the only part. Other parts of an OS include device drivers, file systems, and user interfaces.

The main difference between an OS kernel and an OS is that the kernel is responsible for managing the hardware resources, while the OS provides other services, such as file management and user interface.

Here is a table summarizing the key differences between an OS kernel and an OS:

| Feature | OS Kernel | Operating System |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Definition | The core of an operating system | A software that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer programs |
| Responsibility | Managing hardware resources | Providing common services for computer programs |
| Other parts | Device drivers, file systems, and user interfaces | Device drivers, file systems, user interfaces, and other services |


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Original Source: https://www.mindstick.com/forum/159071/what-is-an-os-kernel-how-different-it-is-from-an-operating-system

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