> Interprocess communication in a true microkernel architecture is a drag
> though (simply a question of overhead you generate if you send messages
> instead of directy talking to the hardware).
It's mostly a drag, because 'pure' message passing involves context
('process')
switching, which is *very very* expensive, compared to simple calls.
NT modifies that by passing messages, but executing them (mostly) in the
same
context - IMO the best of both worlds.
> > NT is microkernel too, in my understanding it's a little advantage over
> > Linux at this moment (?).
>
> Woah, hang on: NT uses a modified microkernel. Process Manager and
Virtual
> Memory Manager for example are not seperate processes (as they should be
in
> a "true" microkernel architecture) and communicate using function calls
> instead of messages.
NT claims to be 'object oriented', not 'microkernel', and thats (mostly)
true.
> Advantage: better performance (pretty relative value if you look at NT
> though...).
you can write slow *applications* on any OS
just try netscape 7.0 on a pentium 200 (like I currently do)
> Disadvantages: when last did you have your blue screen of death?
3 years ago - with ~15 maschines running all day.
> Shouldn't happen if it really was a microkernel...
and will not happen - if you stay with MS drivers,
or with drivers written by programmers, that are more concerned
about stability then Quake framerates.
disadvantage: now newest generation graphics cards,...
nothing prevents driver programmers from reflecting system calls
back into save user space; they just don't do - because it costs
performance - very bad for Quake framerates.
> And as that introduces back the problems you wanted to avoid, question is
> how far you will get with a pure microkernel architecture for your OS?
IMO: not far. look at Hurd.
> To me this looks as if the microkernel architecture is an idealistic
dream
> that just lacks that knack of practicality. But you're right, it *WOULD*
be
> cool, if it'd work fast enough to be practical.
I agree.
tom
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