Both the well-known operating systems Linux and Unix give you the ability to carry out a variety of work and certain capabilities. In the next section, let’s examine some of the most significant distinctions between Linux and Unix.
Linux and Unix: What are they?
In terms of operating systems, Linux is open-source. Its operating system provides numerous software features that manage computer resources and let you carry out tasks. It is supported on a variety of computing platforms. It was introduced at Helsinki University in 1991, by Linus Torvalds. It is utilized in the creation of video games, mainframes, and other computer hardware and software.
On the other hand, an operating system called Unix acts as a link between the user and the computer. It is powerful and capable of multitasking. The user can carry out particular tasks thanks to it. It was launched by AT&T Bell Labs, as an operating system in 1960. It can be used by PCs, workstations, and web servers. It supports a wide range of business applications.
The Difference between Unix and Linux
Both Linux and Unix are widely used operating systems for servers and business settings. They do have certain commonalities, but there are also some significant differences.
| Linux | Unix | |
| Definition | The operating system Linux is open-source. This operating system (OS) is supported on a variety of computer systems and comes with several software features that manage computer resources and let you carry out tasks. | Unix is a robust and multitasking operating system that functions as a link between the user and the computer. |
| Genesis | Linus Torvalds created Linux in the 1990s as a free and open-source replacement for Unix. | Bell Labs created Unix in the 1970s. |
| Introduction | Because Linux is Open Source, a sizable community of programmers collaborates online and contributes to its development. | AT&T Labs, as well as other commercial vendors and nonprofit organizations, developed Unix. |
| OS family | It belongs to the family of Unix-like systems. | It is a member of the Unix family. |
| Languages | Accessible in multiple languages | Available in English |
| File system support | Compared to Unix, it supports more file systems. | Supports less than Linux. |
| Composed in | Programming languages like C. | C and assembly language |
| Areas it’s used | It is utilized by numerous systems, including servers, desktops, cellphones, and mainframes. | The majority of workstations and servers utilize Unix. |
| Examples | include Fedora, Debian, Red Hat, Ubuntu, and Android. | Some examples of Unix are IBM AIX, Darwin, Solaris, HP-UX, and macOS X. |
| Security levels | The security offered by Linux is higher. | Additionally, Unix is quite secure. |
| Price | While corporate assistance for Linux is chargeable, it is free to use. | Unix is not completely free. Only a few Unix versions are cost-free; otherwise, UNIX is pricey. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Linux and Unix have some features in common in terms of functionality and design, they also differ significantly in terms of availability, community support, and the design of the kernel and command line interface. In the end, the decision between Linux and Unix will come down to the user’s requirements and the use case that is required.
