User's Manual

PROTECTION
TASK C
G3010B
Figure 7-6. Code and Data Segments Assigned to a Privilege Level
This is just one example of protection mechanism usage. Levels 1 and 2 may be used in many different
ways. The usage (or non-usage)
is up to the system designer.
Programs at each privilege level are isolated from programs at outer layers, yet cannot affect programs
in inner layers. Programs written for each privilege level can be smaller, easier to develop, and easier
to maintain than a monolithic system where all system software can affect all other system software.
7.3.2 Privilege Usage
Privilege applies to tasks and three types of descriptors:
1. Main memory segments
2. Gates (control descriptors for state or task transitions, discussed in sections 7.5.1, 7.5.3, 8.3, 8.4
and 9.2)
3. Task state segments (discussed in Chapter 8).
7-9