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1.6.1. The Process/Kernel Model
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Unix kernels do much more than handle system calls; in fact, kernel routines can be activated in several ways:
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A process invokes a system call.
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The CPU executing the process signals anexception, which is an unusual condition such as an invalid instruction. The kernel handles the exception on behalf of the process that caused it.
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A peripheral device issues an interrupt signal to the CPU to notify it of an event such as a request for attention, a status change, or the completion of an I/O operation. Each interrupt signal is dealt by a kernel program called aninterrupt handler. Because peripheral devices operate asynchronously with respect to the CPU, interrupts occur at unpredictable times.
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A kernel thread is executed. Because it runs in Kernel Mode, the corresponding program must be considered part of the kernel.