1. Resource allocation- The kernel's primary function is to manage the computer's resources and allow other programs to run and use these resources. These resources are- CPU, Memory and I/O devices.

2. Process Management- A process defines which memory portions the application can access. The main task of a kernel is to allow the execution of applications and support them with features such as hardware abstraction. To run an application, a kernel first set up an address space for the application, then loads the file containing the application's code into memory, then set up a stack for the program and branches to a given location inside the program, thus finally starting its execution.

3. Memory Management- The kernel has full access to the system's memory. It allows processes to safely access this memory as they require it. Virtual addressing helps kernel to create virtual partitions of memory in two disjointed areas, one is reserved for the kernel (kernel space) and the other for the applications (user space). …show more content…
I/O Device Management- To perform useful functions, processes need access to the peripherals connected to the computer, which are controlled by the kernel through Device Drivers. A device driver is a computer program that enables the operating system to interact with a hardware device. It provides the operating system with information of how to control and communicate with a certain piece of hardware. A kernel maintains a list of available devices. A device manager first performs a scan on different hardware buses, such as Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) or Universal Serial Bus (USB), to detect installed devices, then searches for the appropriate drivers. The kernel provides the I/O to allow drivers to physically access their devices through some port or memory