supervisor mode

supervisor mode

[′sü·pər‚vī·zər ‚mōd] (computer science) A method of computer operation in which the computer can execute all its own instructions, including the privileged instruction not normally allowed to the programmer, in contrast to problem mode.

supervisor mode

(Or "supervisor state") An execution mode on some processorswhich enables execution of all instructions, includingprivileged instructions. It may also give access todifferent a address space, to memory management hardwareand to other peripherals. This is the mode in which theoperating system usually runs.

Opposite: user mode.