What is the Difference Between UNIX and LINUX?

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Unix and Linux are both popular operating systems with similar purposes, but they have some key differences. Here are the main differences between Unix and Linux:

  1. Licensing and cost: Linux is an open-source operating system, freely accessible to everyone and supported by a large community of developers and users. Unix, on the other hand, is a proprietary operating system that requires a license to use. Unix installation is comparatively more expensive than Linux, as it requires special hardware and is mostly used for big data servers around the world.
  2. File system support: Linux supports more file systems than Unix does.
  3. Usage: Unix is mainly used on workstations and servers, while Linux is used in various systems like desktops, smartphones, mainframes, and servers.
  4. Kernel design: Both Unix and Linux kernels are monolithic, meaning that the entirety of the OS is virtually working in the kernel space. However, the Unix kernel is larger and more complex than its Linux counterpart.
  5. Community support: Linux has a large and active community of developers and users who contribute to its development, while Unix has a smaller community focused on enterprise-level users.

In summary, Unix and Linux have some similarities in terms of design and functionality, but they differ in licensing, kernel design, file system support, usage, and community support. The choice between Unix and Linux will depend on the specific needs of the user and the intended use.

Comparative Table: UNIX vs LINUX

Here is a table highlighting the key differences between UNIX and Linux:

Feature UNIX Linux
Developer Originally developed by AT&T Bell Labs, later by various commercial vendors and non-profit organizations. Developed by Linus Torvalds, with contributions from community developers.
Licensing Proprietary, with different flavors having different pricing depending on the vendor. Open-source, freely distributed, and can be downloaded through various channels.
Shell Bourne Shell (sh). BASH (default).
Versions Important versions include HP-UX, AIS, BSD, SunOS, Solaris, SCO UNIX, AIX, ULTRIX, etc.. Important versions include Red Hat, Ubuntu, OpenSuse, Debian GNU, Arch Linux, etc..

While UNIX and Linux share some similarities in terms of design and functionality, they differ in licensing, kernel design, command-line interface, availability, and community support. The choice between UNIX and Linux depends on the specific needs of the user and the intended use.