Chapter 3. Kernel-Mode IO Processing

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[oR]

Chapter 3. Kernel-Mode I/O Processing

CHAPTER OBJECTIVES

• How Kernel-Mode Code Executes

• Use of Interrupt Priorities by Windows 2000

• Deferred Procedure Calls (DPCs)

• Access to User Buffers

• Structure of a Kernel-Mode Driver

• I/O Processing Sequence

• Summary

With the hardware issues covered in the previous chapter, this chapter introduces the role of the Windows 2000 Executive components in processing I/O requests.

This chapter covers three areas. First, in sections 3.1 through 3.4, it introduces key concepts and techniques important to I/O processing.

Next, the chapter describes the purpose of the various routines that make up a driver. The details of each routine are covered in subsequent chapters.

Finally, the entire life cycle of an I/O request is examined. A good understanding of the I/O flow of control is probably the most important piece of knowledge a driver author can have.

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