What is the difference between Unix and Linux?

Jan 17, 2024 | NEWS, SOFTWARE / LINUX

Unix vs Linux

Unix and Linux are very popular operating systems. What’s the difference between them? Which one should you choose? To answer these and many other questions you may have, we will analyze each operating system and the differences between them.

Unix vs Linux. What-is-the-difference-between-Unix-and-Linux

What is Unix?

Unix is an open source operating system mainly used to power personal computers and Internet servers. It was developed in 1970 in Bell Laboratories, and this system was written in programming language C.

What is Linux?

Linux is a set of free and open source software operating systems based on Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. In the sense that Unix is the nucleus of Linux’s operating system.

Unix vs Linux

Now that we know these two operating systems, let’s look at the difference between them.

1. Cost: Unix vs Linux

Which is more expensive or cheaper between Unix and Linux? Linux is an open source operating system and is then freely distributed. You can easily download a copy of Linux from the Internet or get it for free through books and magazines. However, you will need to pay for server versions and Linux operating system for large organizations.

On the other hand, Unix is very expensive. However, there is no general pricing for the operating system. Instead, different versions of Unix have different prices. For example, Unix servers cost between $25,000 and $249,000.

2. Security Level: Unix vs Linux

Which of the two operating systems is safer? While both operating systems are subject to various security threats, Linux is safer than Unix. First, Linux uses the same characters as Unix. This includes isolating tasks in a multifunctional environment. In addition, passwords are encrypted in Linux and can be managed remotely.

As an open source operating system, users and developers can easily report errors in Linux. This does not happen in Unix where users have to wait until the debugging is developed. The process can take a long time in an open source environment where problems are fixed within a short time.

3. Usage: Unix vs Linux

Who uses Unix and Linux operating systems? Linux is a normal operating system that can be used by anyone. Its user base constitutes ordinary computer users.

In contrast, Unix can be used on PCs and Internet servers. But he needs to be experienced in this area.

4. Usability: Unix vs Linux

In terms of usability and portability, Linux today is so portable that it can be operated from a USB device. On the other hand, the Unix system is relatively rigid and therefore not portable.

5. Source Code: Unix vs Linux

Since Linux is an open source operating system, its source code is available to the general public. Anyone can see the source code used to run the system. Source code for Unix operating system is not publicly available.

6. Market Share: Unix vs Linux

Market share can be interpreted as the number of people using a particular operating system. Although Linux came several years after the Unix system, it has a greater market share. The operating system has been installed in more than 25 million devices compared to Unix which has approximately 5.5 million facilities.

More information about Linux on Wikipedia

More information about Unix on Wikipedia

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