Question

Kernel mode operation is also called as ________.

• A. Interactive mode
• B. System mode
• C. User mode
• D. Symmetric mode

Hint:

Remember: \[ \text{User Mode} \rightarrow \text{Limited Privileges} \] \[ \text{Kernel Mode} \rightarrow \text{Full Privileges} \] Kernel Mode is also called System Mode or Supervisor Mode.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: Modern operating systems operate in different execution modes to ensure security and proper management of system resources. The two primary modes are:
• User Mode
• Kernel Mode Kernel Mode provides unrestricted access to all hardware resources and privileged instructions. Because the operating system kernel executes in this mode, it is also called System Mode or Supervisor Mode.

Step 1: Understand User Mode.
User programs such as browsers, editors, and games execute in User Mode. In this mode:
• Direct hardware access is restricted.
• Privileged instructions cannot be executed.
• System calls are required to access kernel services.

Step 2: Understand Kernel Mode.
Kernel Mode is the privileged operating mode of the CPU. In this mode:
• All memory locations can be accessed.
• Hardware devices can be controlled directly.
• System-level instructions can be executed.

Step 3: Analyze the options.

• Interactive Mode – Not a standard OS execution mode.
• System Mode – Another name for Kernel Mode.
• User Mode – Different from Kernel Mode.
• Symmetric Mode – Not applicable here.

Step 4: Write the final conclusion.
Since Kernel Mode is also known as System Mode, \[ \boxed{\text{Kernel Mode} = \text{System Mode}} \] Hence option (B) is correct.