Can you explain what is meant by the term 'kernel' in an operating system?

The core of the operating system is its central part, responsible for managing hardware resources and facilitating interaction between programs and hardware. It performs key functions such as process management, memory management, input-output, and file system management.

For example, when you run a program, the kernel allocates resources to it, schedules execution, and provides access to disk or network. The kernel operates in privileged mode to ensure the security and stability of the system.