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by TheIronYuppie 5467 days ago
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."
1 comments
BananaRepublic 5467 days ago
Ahh, wikipedia. Then, I raise you one, please make sure you read the NT description:

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

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TheIronYuppie 5462 days ago
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rather than being completely kernel mode as they used to be (the Wikipedia article links to something that is very out of date).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...

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TheIronYuppie 5462 days ago
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)

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