Company
Date Published
Author
-
Word count
3178
Language
-
Hacker News points
None

Summary

The text examines the differences between Windows and macOS operating systems, particularly in how they handle security events, focusing on process events in Part 1 of a two-part series. It highlights that despite both systems evolving into hybrid kernels, their foundational differences, such as Windows' open ecosystem versus macOS's closed, integrated approach, result in distinct development environments. Windows offers abundant APIs and documentation, facilitating flexible development, while macOS's approach emphasizes simplicity and control, which can limit third-party access. The discussion also touches on kernel architecture, with macOS moving away from kernel extensions to user-mode system extensions, contrasting with Windows' encouragement of user-mode driver implementation. Furthermore, the text explores how process events are managed, noting Windows' use of kernel callbacks for process notifications, while macOS relies on the Endpoint Security framework to handle process events with improved information offerings like command-line arguments and code-signing data. The shift in macOS from kernel extensions to system extensions illustrates its move towards a more controlled, microkernel-like environment, affecting how developers interact with the system.