HYDRA: the kernel of a multiprocessor operating system

  • Authors:
  • W. Wulf;E. Cohen;W. Corwin;A. Jones;R. Levin;C. Pierson;F. Pollack

  • Affiliations:
  • Carnegie-Mellon Univ., Pittsburgh, PA;Carnegie-Mellon Univ., Pittsburgh, PA;Carnegie-Mellon Univ., Pittsburgh, PA;Carnegie-Mellon Univ., Pittsburgh, PA;Carnegie-Mellon Univ., Pittsburgh, PA;Carnegie-Mellon Univ., Pittsburgh, PA;Carnegie-Mellon Univ., Pittsburgh, PA

  • Venue:
  • Communications of the ACM
  • Year:
  • 1974

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Abstract

This paper describes the design philosophy of HYDRA—the kernel of an operating system for C.mmp, the Carnegie-Mellon Multi-Mini-Processor. This philosophy is realized through the introduction of a generalized notion of “resource,” both physical and virtual, called an “object.” Mechanisms are presented for dealing with objects, including the creation of new types, specification of new operations applicable to a given type, sharing, and protection of any reference to a given object against improper application of any of the operations defined with respect to that type of object. The mechanisms provide a coherent basis for extension of the system in two directions: the introduction of new facilities, and the creation of highly secure systems.