AbstractThis paper describes a skeletal operating system which provides the services and structure necessary to implement real‐time applications. Features which would require a specific configuration or a non‐minimal computer are either omitted or optional. In particular, although some protocol is established, no peripheral devices are required. System features include dynamic storage allocation, memory protection, multiprogramming, pseudo‐clocks, and co‐ordination and communication primitives. Due to its simple design, the system ‘kernel’ has proven to be remarkably