In
computing, a
loadable kernel module (or
LKM) is an
object file that contains code to extend the running
kernel, or so-called
base kernel, of an
operating system. LKMs are typically used to add support for new
hardware and/or
filesystems, or for adding
system calls. When the functionality provided by a LKM is no longer required, it can be unloaded in order to free
memory and other resources.