Operating system should include applications such

Arguments against embedding applications within the operating system typically dominate however: 1 the applications are applications — and not part of an operating system, 2 any performance benefits of running within the kernel are offset by security vulnerabilities, 3 it leads to a bloated operating system. The distinction between kernel mode and user mode provides a rudimentary form of protection in the following manner. Certain instructions could be executed only when the CPU is in kernel mode.

Similarly, hardware devices could be accessed only when the program is executing in kernel mode. Control over when interrupts could be enabled or disabled is also possible only when the CPU is in kernel mode.

Consequently, the CPU has very limited capability when executing in user mode, thereby enforcing protection of critical resources. The answer I was given to this question is: Pros: better performance and integration if it is included as part of the OS. Cons: The OS is burdened with additional functionality.

I am clearly lacking understanding of something here, because I don't see what the difference would be. In the end, I don't see what the difference is between making a browser "part of the operating system", or making is separate. I suppose I don't really understand what it means to be "part of the operating system". I don't understand why an OS would be burdened more in one situation that the other. The main reason to include software probably is to tie the customers to the product. The application maybe is developed by the OS manufacturer or they got paid to include it.

There have been lawsuits because of this, which resulted for example in the Windows N editions without the windows media player or the web browser choice screen in european versions of the Internet Explorer. First off, what makes up an "Operating System" is a little bit nebulous, one might argue that the Browser is not "part of" the OS, but merely bundled with it. For the purposes of this question, I think part of the operating system means it comes out of the box with that app installed regardless of whether the app is "part of the operating system" in a deeper sense.

The automatic update mechanism, for example, might treat the app as seperate and update it separate from the OS, or even allow it to be uninstalled from the system, but that doesn't change the fact that the machine came with that app. Stack Overflow for Teams — Collaborate and share knowledge with a private group. Create a free Team What is Teams? Collectives on Stack Overflow. Learn more. Applications included as part of operating system or not - what's the difference?

Asked 8 years, 7 months ago. Active 8 years, 1 month ago.