Kernel

The kernel provides a single-level store. This means that no program beyond the kernel is aware of the distinction between main storage, disks or drum. Recently used pages and nodes are kept in main storage. Others are kept in the disk.

The kernel provides duplicated storage in support of recovery from storage errors and improved access performance from the disk.

The kernel provides checkpoint and restart facilities. Programs beyond the kernel are unaware of system outages, planned or unplanned.

The kernel builds all channel programs and services all interrupts therefrom. Other than disks, an I/O device is controlled by the kernel in direct response to a holder of a capability to that device {a domain}. Some of these device capabilities are creatable and rescindable by even more powerful capabilities.

The kernel directly supports many processes. This means that no programs beyond the kernel need be involved with subdividing the real processor{s} to serve the many concurrent activities.

The kernel directly supports several types of key, called primary keys. This means that there are no programs beyond the kernel involved with the implementation of these fundamental functions.

As domains call upon the services of more primitive domains by invoking keys, there must come a point where the keys are defined by the kernel, since there is no other way to invoke a function in Gnosis.

The kernel defines and implements the nature of domains, meters and segments. This includes the nature of jumps, the method for communication between domains.

The kernel provides a kind of permanent page to which capabilities are rescindable. The space bank uses this function to provide another kind of page that may be created and destroyed. The same is true for nodes. Programs beyond the spacebank are not concerned with the history of a “new page”.

Space banks also help enforce storage policy and space reclamation.

The domain creator uses the domain-tool to fashion a domain from three nodes. Programs beyond the domain creator are unaware of the constitution of a domain.