Difference between Unix and Linux
Linux is an open source, allowed to use operating system generally used for PC hardware and software, game development, tablet PCS, mainframes etc. Unix is a operating system generally used as a part of internet servers, workstations and PCs by Solaris, Intel, HP and so on.
There are not much differences between Linux and UNIX in terms of most of the commands and working if looking from an end-user perspective. But internally in the sense of hardware, kernel, patches etc there are numerous differences. Well to be particular Linux is considered as Unix-Like Operating system coming under the category of UNIX clones. A clone is a program that has functions and behavior like another program yet which does not contain source code from that program.
Difference between Unix and Linux
License and Cost
Linux can be freely distributed, downloaded freely, distributed through magazines, Books etc. You can download it from the Internet or redistribute it under GNU licenses. You will see the best community support for Linux. Different flavors of Unix have different cost structures according to vendors.
Kernel
Kernel can be considered the HEART of any operating system. Linux is just an kernel and integrating it with other features like libraries, editors, compilers makes it an Operating System. Kernel thread is an independent execution flow. It can be used to execute some user process or any kernel code. The source code for most UNIX kernel specially commercial versions are not available freely. On the other hand most Linux OS source code are free available under the GPL and can be read, modified and used by any and everyone.
Backup and Recovery Software
UNIX and Linux comes with different set of tools for backing up data to tape and other backup media. However, both of them share some common tools such as tar, dump/restore, and cpio etc.
File System Support
Linux support Ext2, Ext3, Ext4, Jfs, ReiserFS, Xfs, Btrfs, FAT, FAT32, NTFS format file system and Unix support jfs, gpfs, hfs, hfs+, ufs, xfs, zfs format file system.
System Administration Tools
However, editing text config file and typing commands are most popular options for sys admin work under UNIX and Linux.
Security
Linux comes with open source iptables based firewall tool to protect your server and desktop. UNIX operating systems comes with its own firewall product or you need to purchase a 3rd party software such as Checkpoint UNIX firewall.
Usage
Linux can be installed on a wide variety of computer hardware, ranging from mobile phones, tablet computers and video game consoles, to mainframes and supercomputers.
The UNIX operating system is used in internet servers, workstations & PCs. Backbone of the majority of finance infrastructure and many 24×365 high availability solutions.
Enjoy it!
