Nanokernel
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In computer science, a nanokernel is a small program for processing interrupts generated by hardware. The nanokernel sends the interrupts to other programs, allowing it to control the flow of information. The concept is similar to Hardware Abstraction Layer.
The most common use of nanokernels is to virtualize the hardware to allow multiple operating systems to be run at the same time. For instance, Apple Computer used a nanokernel in PowerPC versions of the "classic" Mac OS to translate interrupts on their PowerPC-based computers into 68K interrupts that was processed by the 68K emulator. Later, in Mac OS 8.6, it also managed Multiprocessing Services 2.0 tasks. Other examples include the Adeos nanokernel for Linux, which allows other OS's to run on the machine at the same time.
A nanokernel may be so streamlined that essential on-board devices, such as an interrupt controller or a timer, are managed by device drivers rather than directly by the kernel.
The term is sometimes used informally to refer to a very light-weight microkernel, such as L4.
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