Linux is an operating system that was developed by Linus Torvalds in 1991. The name “Linux” originates from the Linux kernel. It is an open-source software that is completely free to use. It is used for computer hardware and software, game development, mainframes, etc. It can run various client programs.
Unix is a portable, multi-tasking, bug-fixing, multi-user operating system developed by AT&T. It started as a one-man venture under the initiative of Ken Thompson of Bell Labs. It proceeded to turn out to become the most widely used operating system. It is used in web servers, workstations, and PCs. Many business applications are accessible on it.
Linux and Unix are both operating systems that are commonly used in enterprise and server environments. While there are some similarities between them, there are also some key differences.
What are the differences between Linux and Unix?
| Differences | Linux | Unix |
| Origins | Linux was developed in the 1990s by Linus Torvalds as a free and open-source alternative to Unix. | Unix was developed in the 1970s at Bell Labs |
| Introduction | Linux is Open Source, and a large number of programmers work together online and contribute to its development. | Unix was developed by AT&T Labs, different commercial vendors, and non-profit organizations. |
| Licensing | Linux, on the other hand, is open-source software and can be used freely without any licensing fees. | Unix is a proprietary ary operating system, meaning that it requires a license to use. |
| Kernels | both have a similar design but are less complex than the Unixhold-upthat kernel. | both have a similar design but larger and more complex than the Linux kernel. |
| Availability | On the other hand, Linux is widely used on both enterprise and personal computers. | Unix is typically found on enterprise-level servers and workstations and is less commonly used on personal computers. |
| Community Support: | Linux has a large and active community of developers and users who contribute to its development and provide support. | While Unix also has a community, it is generally smaller and more focused on enterprise-level users. |
| Accessibility | It is an open-source operating system which is freely accessible to everyone. | It is an operating system which can only be utilized by its copywriters. |
| bug fixing time | Threat recognition and solution is very fast because Linux is mainly community driven. So, if any Linux client poses any sort of threat, a team of qualified developers starts working to resolve this threat. | Unix clients require longer hold up time, to get the best possible bug-fixing,and a patch. |
| File system supports | File system supports – Ext2, Ext3, Ext4, Jfs, ReiserFS, Xfs, Btrfs, FAT, FAT32, NTFS | File system supports – jfs, gpfs, hfs, hfs+, ufs, xfs, zfs |
| Graphical User Interface | Linux provides two GUIs, KDE and Gnome. But there are many other options. For example, LXDE, Xfce, Unity, Mate, and so on. | Initially, Unix was a command-based OS, however later a GUI was created called Common Desktop Environment. Most distributions now ship with Gnome. |
| Use Cases | It is used everywhere from servers, PCs, smartphones, tablets to mainframes. | It is used on servers, workstations, and PCs. |
| Shell Compatibility | The default interface is BASH (Bourne Again Shell). Anybody can use Linux whether a home client, developer or a student. | It initially used Bourne shell. But it is also compatible with other GUIs. Developed mainly for servers, workstations, and mainframes. |
| Source Code Availability | The source is accessible to the general public. | The source is not accessible to the general public. |
| Hardware Compatibility | Originally developed for Intel’s x86 hardware processors. It is available for more than twenty different types of CPU which also includes an ARM. | It is available on PA-RISC and Itanium machines. |
| Virus Threats | It has about 60-100 viruses listed to date. | It has about 85-120 viruses listed to date (rough estimate). |
| Operating System Versions | Some Linux versions are Ubuntu, Debian GNU, Arch Linux, etc. | Some Unix versions are SunOS, Solaris, SCO UNIX, AIX, HP/UX, ULTRIX, etc. |
In summary, while Unix and Linux share some similarities in terms of their design and functionality, they also have some key differences in terms of licensing, kernel design, command line interface, availability, and community support. Ultimately, the choice between Unix and Linux will depend on the specific needs of the user and the intended use case.
