An Overview of Operating Systems Based on Microkernel Technology and their Essential Components

Abstract

In conventional monolithic operating system architecture, the kernel delivers all the necessary services to the application programs. The microkernel operating system is important in several areas such as industrial control systems, embedded systems, and real-time systems. As the requirements of the operating system increase, the kernel expands in size and increases complexity. The introduction of Operating Systems focusing on Microkernels was due to the difficulties mentioned above caused by Operating Systems with Monolithic kernels. Operating systems based on microkernels offer enhanced security and flexibility to the system. A comprehensive review of eleven distinct operating systems based on the microkernel architecture is presented in this study. Some microkernels provide great advantages like strong security, better performance, and reliability also some microkernels have disadvantages like increased complexity, high cost in making, and low performance. The three main components of the study are process scheduling, memory management, and inter-process communication. This overview provides a comprehension of the various advances in creating operating systems based on microkernel technology. The data sources included books, research papers, and official documentation of individual microkernels.