Base my bounds

What this memory protection interview question tests

This is a foundational operating systems question about dynamic relocation and memory isolation—core concepts in how modern kernels enforce process boundaries. Interviewers ask it to confirm you understand the hardware mechanisms that prevent one process from corrupting another's memory or the kernel itself.

The question probes whether you can articulate the relationship between the base-and-bounds registers (or base-and-limit registers in some architectures), the address translation pipeline, and the kernel's response when a bounds violation is detected. You should be able to explain what happens at both the hardware and OS levels when an illegal access is attempted.

• Address translation and virtual-to-physical mapping
• Hardware protection and privilege levels
• Trap handling and exception control flow
• Process isolation and kernel mode entry