Linux & Unix –
LINUX and UNIX are known as 2 comparable and robust operating systems. In fact, Linux is considered a very close cousin of UNIX OS.
While LINUX and UNIX have quite a few similarities, still there is plenty of difference between both.
In this article, we will discuss UNIX vs LINUX and compare various features of these 2 flavors to understand how one is in contrast to others.
UNIX system began in the year 1969 when AT&T developed the version of the UNIX operating system, which was completely written in C language.
On the other hand, LINUX is quite a newbie to the IT market since it came to inception in the year 1991.
In term of standards, LINUX is an Open Source OS whereas UNIX is only limited to its copywriters.
When LINUX was developed, the intent was to spread the product equally amongst home users, developers etc. and UNIX was developed mainly for servers, workstations and mainframes.
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While comparing cost in Unix vs Linux, LINUX is freely available in the market with no hidden or associated cost. On the contrary, UNIX incurs cost based on the type of variant.
From a security perspective in Linux vs Unix, 60-100 viruses are enlisted for LINUX OS and 85-120 for UNIX OS. A command-line interface is used by both the OS, however, LINUX users prefer GUI more.
Related- Windows vs LINUX
The good thing about Linux is that it is pretty much portable and can be executed on various hard drives. On the other hand, UNIX OS is not at all portable.
Further, some of LINUX variants are Ubuntu, RedHat, Solaris, OpenSuse, etc. while variants of UNIX are AIS, HP-UX, BSD, etc.
UNIX vs LINUX
Having discussed how both the Operating systems are unlike, below table enlists a detailed difference between Linux and UNIX in a tabular format –
| PARAMETER | LINUX | UNIX |
|---|---|---|
| Inception Year | 1991 | 1969 |
| Standard | Open source operating system which is freely available | Operating system can only be used by its copywriters |
| System type | Just the kernel | Complete Operating system |
| Target use | Can be used by anyone including home user and developer. | Developed mainly for servers, workstations and mainframes. |
| Cost | LINUX is freely available and distributed with no associated cost. | UNIX variants come as customized cost. |
| Security | 60-100 viruses listed till date | 85-120 viruses listed till date |
| Interface type | Primarily uses GUI with option of CLI | Primarily uses CLI |
| Portability | Portable | Not portable |
| Variants | Ubuntu, RedHat, Solaris, OpenSuse, etc. | AIS, HP-UX, BSD, etc |
| Source Code | The source code of Linux is available in general public. | The source code not available in general public. |
Download the comparison table here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I am here to share my knowledge and experience in the field of networking with the goal being – “The more you share, the more you learn.”
I am a biotechnologist by qualification and a Network Enthusiast by interest. I developed interest in networking being in the company of a passionate Network Professional, my husband.
I am a strong believer of the fact that “learning is a constant process of discovering yourself.”
– Rashmi Bhardwaj (Author/Editor)
