Windows NT kernel architecture and components
The Windows NT architecture is a hybrid kernel design that combines elements of monolithic and microkernel architectures. Key components include: 1) Executive - Core OS services (object manager, process manager, memory manager, I/O manager, security reference monitor). 2) Kernel - Low-level OS functions (scheduling, interrupt handling, synchronization). 3) Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL) - Abstracts hardware differences. 4) Subsystems - Environment subsystems (Win32, POSIX) and integral subsystems. Windows uses a modular design with well-defined interfaces between components. The architecture emphasizes security, reliability, and extensibility. Key features include object-based design, symmetric multiprocessing, virtual memory management, and advanced security model. Understanding Windows architecture is essential for system programmers, driver developers, and security professionals working with Windows systems.