Nanokernel
In computer science, the term nanokernel generally refers to a small program given the task of processing interrupts generated by hardware. The nanokernel then sends the interrupts to other software, allowing it to control the flow of information. Therefore they are close to the concept of Hardware Abstraction Layer.
The most common use of nanokernels is to virtualize the hardware to allow multiple operating systems to be run at the same time. For instance, Apple Computer used a nanokernel in PowerPC versions of the "classic" Mac OS to translate interrupts on their PowerPC-based computers into a form that could be understood by the OS. Later, in Mac OS 8.6, it managed Multiprocessing Services 2.0 tasks. Other examples include the Adeos nanokernel for Linux, which allows other OS's to run on the same machine.
A nanokernel may be so streamlined that essential on-board devices, such as an interrupt controller or a timer, are managed by device drivers rather than directly by the kernel.
The term is sometimes used informally to refer to a very lightweight microkernel, such as L4.
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