Operating system conceptual model for ease of extension

Abstract

An operating system structuring concept and method is proposed. The method recognizes "resource" as the most important structuring concept and unit of the operating systems. A resource module can be of two kinds; a reusable resource module or a consumable resource module, and it contains a set of functions through which the resource is accessed. The consumable resources are primarily used for process synchronization whereas the reusable resources are used to carry information which is accessed and manipulated by functions. The proposed structuring method helps to build operating systems which are robust for changes of many kinds and whose properties are readily estimated.