[BananaRepublic]

Lolwut? Windows is at best a 'hybrid' kernel, and with that it's probably 95% monolithic and 5% microkernel-istic in it's design. How does that translate to '_generally_ a modified microkernel'?? You need to seriously read up on Monolithic/Hybrid/Microkernels and the differences between kernel and user-space. I'll be waiting.

[TheIronYuppie]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_NT

"Windows NT's kernel mode code further distinguishes between the "kernel", whose primary purpose is to implement processor and architecture dependent functions, and the "executive". This was designed as a modified microkernel, as the Windows NT kernel does not meet all of the criteria of a pure microkernel."

[BananaRepublic]

Ahh, wikipedia. Then, I raise you one, please make sure you read the NT description:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hybrid_kernel

[TheIronYuppie]

I guess it's all just semantics at this point - my point was that you'd be more correct in saying that NT was a microkernel with some changes, than a monolithic with some changes (I suppose this was your point with pulling out the Hybrid term).

FYI, most drivers including video, have been moved back to a split between User Mode and Kernel Mode, rather than being completely kernel mode as they used to be (the Wikipedia article links to something that is very out of date). IIRC, Application IPC is still Kernel-Mode.

http://technet.microsoft.com/enus/library/cc784266(WS.10).as...

[TheIronYuppie]

Oops, wrong copy paste - http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa480220.aspx

(about WDDM, which move most of the display driver functionality back to user-mode)