4 Aug
2006
4 Aug
'06
7:56 p.m.
But, one key difference between the QNX approach and
that of
most other current OS's is the microkernel architecture.
Instead of a BIG monolithic kernel with ALL the drivers
installed (or, extra glue for LKM support, etc.), a microkernel
based design treats all of these as components which can be
plugged together. And *talk* to each other (instead of being
invoked "from above").
Yes, you just have the IPC overhead, though.
Not sure if it's IPC or cheaper hardware, but large network operations on my Macintosh
(System 10) bring the machine
much closer to it's knees than any monolithic UNIX or even VMS on a VAX 4000/200. NB -
I haven't used the microkernel
based Tru64 yet.
Microkernels are neat in theory, but a well-trimmed monolithic kernel seems to do pretty
well with not too much space.