Compare and contrast Unix vs. Linux in this guide covering use cases, components, features, and more.
Unix and Linux are popular operating systems (OS) with similar purposes. You may have even heard Linux referred to as a “Unix clone” or a Unix-like operating system. Despite the similarities in their architecture and the fact that they both serve as platforms for running software programs, they have some major differences. You can use the following guide to compare and contrast their use cases, components, and costs.
The term “Unix-like” describes a wide range of operating systems that share a common structure and behave similarly to Unix.
Unix | Linux |
---|---|
Developed in the late 1960s by Ken Thompson and Dennis Ritchie of AT&T Bell Labs; modified over time by nonprofit organizations and commercial vendors. | Developed by Linus Torvalds in the 1990s, and the Linux community of developers continues to develop it. |
Core assembly language: C | Core assembly language: C |
Versions include but are not limited to AIS, BSD, Iris, and HP-UX. | Versions include but are not limited to Ubuntu, Debian, Solaris, and Redhat. |
Smaller user community that focuses heavily on enterprise computing | Large, active, open-source community of users and contributors |
Includes a graphical user interface (GUI) similar to Windows, but is compatible with other GUIs such as Gnome. | Many graphical user interface (GUI) options, including Gnome, KDE, Unity, and Mate. |
Default shell is Bourne Shell. | Supports multiple command interpreters, but BASH is the default shell for Linux. Initially designed to support Intel’s X86 hardware processors, but evolved to be compatible with other software. |
Historically used for academic and enterprise applications. | Created to be an alternative, free version of the MINIX operating system. |
Typically, Unix enterprise-level servers and workstations use Unix. Although you can use it on personal computers, this use case is far less common. Large organizations tend to use Unix because of its high-performance, multi-tasking-oriented design. Unix can support multiple users on the same machine, whether they’re logging into it directly or accessing it remotely. The internet and the World Wide Web (WWW) were both built with Unix servers.
Like Unix, Linux is a popular platform among organizations that need to host data, applications, or services on high-volume servers. Linux is also a popular operating system choice for personal computers. Linux OS versions are the primary option for users worldwide who prefer to use open-source software (behind Microsoft Windows and Apple iOS versions) [1].
Read more: What Is Linux? Commands Glossary and FAQ
Ubuntu is an open-source, ad-free, Linux-based operating system designed for computers, network servers, and smartphones as a more user-friendly alternative to Debian. Debian is also a Linux-based operating system. However, it can be challenging to install. Compared to Linux and Unix, it’s a beginner-friendly OS well-suited for personal computing.
Linux is a free, open-source operating system. In other words, any user can view and modify its source code. Unix has the opposite distribution model, requiring a license for use. This type of distribution method is also known as proprietary or closed source. Licensing costs depend on the Unix variant.
Both Unix and Linux have three primary components:
Kernel: The kernel is the central component of an operating system. It’s the interface where requests for processes take place.
Shell: The shell interprets command-line input and triggers action from the necessary programs. You can think of it as a translator that manages communication between the user and the kernel since the kernel cannot understand direct user input.
Application programs: Unix systems include a core set of utility programs that enable users to carry out actions like file management.
The kernel is the central component of both Unix and Linux operating systems. Both Unix and Linux kernels are monolithic, meaning that the entirety of the OS is virtually working in the kernel space. Monolithic kernels handle all hardware and driver operations. However, the Unix kernel is larger and more complex than its counterpart.
Unix is generally utilized for high-end server operations and other back-end tasks requiring specialized hardware architecture. In contrast, Linux is easily downloadable and operable. Linux device drivers can come built into the kernel. Part of Linux’s popularity in the web server space comes from its low installation costs.
Linux developers aimed to keep its commands as similar as possible to Unix commands by adhering to the portable operating system interface (POSIX) standards set by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. Many core commands are identical in syntax and functionality, including tar and lpr. Small differences still exist, not only between Unix and Linux but among different Unix variants as well.
Unix and Linux are both operating systems you can use for personal or enterprise workstations. You can build a functional knowledge of Unix in about 19 hours with John Hopkins University’s online course, The Unix Workbench. In this beginner-friendly program, you can familiarize yourself with a command line interface and learn to write software in the programming language Bash.
Or, focus on building your Linux expertise with IBM’s Hands-on Introduction to Linux Commands and Shell Scripting. You’ll have the opportunity to learn how to perform common filing, navigational, informational, and networking commands in Bash shell.
Statista. “Market share held by the leading computer (desktop/tablet/console) operating systems worldwide from January 2012 to January 2023, https://www.statista.com/statistics/268237/global-market-share-held-by-operating-systems-since-2009/.” Accessed November 11, 2024.
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Jessica is a technical writer who specializes in computer science and information technology. Equipp...
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