Windows Research Kernel

Overview

The WRK packages core Windows XP x64 and Windows Server 2003 SP1 kernel source code with an environment for building and testing experimental versions of the Windows kernel for use in teaching and research.

The WRK includes the source for:

   * Processes
   * Threads
   * LPC
   * Virtual memory
   * Scheduler
   * Object manager
   * I/O manager
   * Synchronization
   * Worker threads
   * Kernel heap manager
   * Other core Windows (NTOS) kernel functionality

The WRK is useful in design projects that allow your students to explore operating system (OS) principles using the Windows kernel sources. It facilitates the building of experiments and projects based on modifying the Windows kernel, enabling advanced teaching and research that promote better understanding of the Windows architecture and implementation.

WRK Details

The Windows Research Kernel contains the sources for the core Windows (NTOS) kernel.

NTOS implements the basic OS functions for:

   * Processes
   * Threads
   * Virtual memory and cache managers
   * I/O management
   * The registry
   * Executive functions, such as the kernel heap and synchronization
   * Object manager
   * Local procedure call mechanism
   * Security reference monitor
   * Low-level CPU management (thread scheduling, Asynchronous and Deferred Procedure calls, interrupt/trap handling, exceptions)

The NT Hardware Abstraction Layer, file systems, network stacks, and device drivers are implemented separately from NTOS and loaded into kernel mode as dynamic libraries. Sources for these dynamic components are not included in the WRK. However, some are available in various development kits published by Microsoft, such as the Installable File System Kit and the Windows Driver Development Kit.

Read more: MS Research

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