Most of you might have wondered what the difference between
UNIX and Linux is.
Here is some of the useful information.
UNIX Vs Linux.
- 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.
By: Rahil Khan