The point is that people using Linux/BSD consider those "kernel" functions while microkernel-based OS's (eg QNX, MINIX 3) have same stuff running as isolated, user-mode processes. To them, a kernel is a component with a dozen or so function calls that facilitates and restricts operation of user-mode stuff. All the real functionality are just apps running in processes. Another tie-in to BSD is that fact that both QNX and MINIX 3 pull NetBSD code into their systems... in user-mode processes.
So, the point is that a "kernel" thing to people exposed to Linux/BSD isn't kernel to others. The usage is often based on perception with only consistency between all usages is that what they call kernel is at the core of their system. And for OS's, often the most privileged as it runs in kernel mode.
Comments
The point is that people using Linux/BSD consider those "kernel" functions while microkernel-based OS's (eg QNX, MINIX 3) have same stuff running as isolated, user-mode processes. To them, a kernel is a component with a dozen or so function calls that facilitates and restricts operation of user-mode stuff. All the real functionality are just apps running in processes. Another tie-in to BSD is that fact that both QNX and MINIX 3 pull NetBSD code into their systems... in user-mode processes.
So, the point is that a "kernel" thing to people exposed to Linux/BSD isn't kernel to others. The usage is often based on perception with only consistency between all usages is that what they call kernel is at the core of their system. And for OS's, often the most privileged as it runs in kernel mode.