UNIX vs LINUX

Difference between UNIX and LINUX

Most of you might have wondered what the difference between UNIX and Linux is.

Here is some of the useful information.

UNIX Vs Linux.

1. Most common difference: UNIX is propriety system while Linux is an

Open Source system.

2. Technical

a) In UNIX ‘Development’ is targeted toward specific audience and platform. Linux development is diverse. Linux standard base was formed to alleviate this problem but it wasn’t of much help.

b) UNIX maintains consistency b/w different versions. Have a published standard that they follow for their customer. Linux have inconsistencies b/w versions and no strict standards for tools, environment and functionality.

c) In UNIX developers are bounded by standard while in Linux developers are free and have no restriction.

d) In UNIX commands, tool and utilities etc are rarely changed over versions. Hence it is easy to for administrator to update their skills. Moreover tools and application can be used on new edition of OS without a large body of testing. In Linux commands, tools and utilities may change over time.

3. Hardware

a) UNIX was coded for small handful h/w platform/architecture. Linux was designed to be as compatible as possible. Runs on dozens of Architecture and support numerous I/O devices & other external devices. Supported devices are limitless.

b) Commercial UNIX is usually custom written for each system, making the
original cost quite high, but having the benefit of being exactly what you need.

e.g.

HP-UX => PA-RISC & Itanium m/c

Solaris=> SPARC and x86

AIX=> Power Processor

Linux has base packages that are required, then you install more to get the system you need. (In this respect, Linux is closer in model to windows than a commercial UNIX OS is.)

4. Kernel

a) UNIX kernel is not freely available.

Linux kernel is freely available.

a) UNIX patches available are highly tested.

Linux patches are not highly tested as UNIX patches.

5. Updates and Bugs

a) Every OS, including UNIX and Linux, suffers from vulnerabilities and bugs that have to be patched, fixed and updated.

But Linux enjoys a clear advantage over its elder sibling in this department.

Linux bugs tend to die an early death, because the OS undergoes an incredible amount of scrutiny in the global open-source community

b) Constant peer review, proponents claim, allows one developer to leverage the experience and knowledge of all other developers around the globe; As a result, the software develops faster and becomes more robust over time. This process has made Linux an incredibly stable OS.