Detailed differences and relations between Linux and Unix systems

Differences and connections

Linux and UNIX, the biggest difference is that the former is an open source free software, while the latter is the traditional commercial software implementation of the protection of intellectual property rights to the source code. This should be their biggest difference, that difference is reflected in the user a high degree of autonomy for the former, while the latter can only go to a passive adaptation; This difference is also reflected in the development of the former is in a completely open the environment, and the development of the latter is entirely in a black box, only the developers to be able to contact with the product prototype.

Linux's source to be traced back to the most ancient UNIX. In 1969, Ken Thompson of Bell Laboratories began to idle PDP-7 computer developed a multi-user, multi-tasking operating system. Soon, Dennis Richie joined the project in their joint efforts to the birth of the first UNIX. Richie by an earlier project - MULTICS inspired, this operating system named Unix. The early UNIX is written in assembly language, but the third version of the redesigned with a new programming language C. C Richie design and the programming language used to write the operating system. Through this re-write, Unix can be ported to run on a more powerful DEC PDP-11/45 and 11/70 computer. Subsequent all, as they say, has become a thing of the past. Unix from the laboratory to come out and become a mainstream operating system, and now almost every major computer manufacturer has its own version of Unix.

Linux originated in the simple needs of a student. Of Linus Torvalds, Linux author and the main defenders in college only afford software is the Minix. Minix is ​​similar to Unix, is widely used for auxiliary teaching simple operating system. Linus of the Minix not very satisfied, and decided to write their own software. Familiar with the Unix his student days as a prototype, began his work on an Intel 386 PC. His progress rapidly, encouraged by the achievements, he will be on that success through the Internet to share with other students, mainly used in the academic field. Some people see the software and begin distribution. Whenever a new problem, someone will find a solution immediately and to join them soon, Linux has become an operating system. Is worth noting that Linux does not include the Unix source. It is open POSIX standard rewrite. Linux heavy use by the Cambridge, Massachusetts, the Free Software Foundation's GNU software, while Linux itself is constructed.

Another two major differences:

1) UNIX system most of the supporting hardware, Linux can run on multiple hardware platforms.

2) UNIX is a commercial software, Linux is free software, free, open-source.

UNIX (5 million dollars), while Linux free

[History]

Unix history longer than linux thinking of Linux from Unix

[Products]

are the name of the operating system unix and linux. Unix four letters in addition to the operating system name, but also as a trademark owned by SCO all.

Linux commercialization RedHat Linux, SuSe Linux, slakeware Linux, domestic red flag, and so on, as well as Turbo Linux.

Unix main Sun's Solaris, IBM's AIX, HP's HP-UX, as well as x86 platform SCO Unix / Unixware

Other differences

The linux core was free, free to use, core source code is open. Unix core does not open;

Requirements of the hardware, linux than unix lower, not so harsh unix. Installed on linux unix is ​​easy to grasp.

Use linux relatively no unix so complicated.

Unix majority is hardware vendors for their own hardware platform's operating system, such as the CPU, such as Sun's Solaris as commercial, positioned on its use of the SPARC / SPARCII the CPU workstations and servers, of course Solaris also have an x86 version, while the Linux also has its version of RISC. However, exact comparison is not appropriate to take the Linux Unix on RISC and x86. As for prices, personal use Linux basically be free, different Linux distribution vendors on some of the basic system optimization for enterprise-class applications, such as RedHat's Enterprise products, which include support services are more expensive. Like IBM / HP / SUN Unix, for its hardware platform, operating system, usually in the price of the equipment. (Alone buy a Unix operating system)

Performance, linux no unix less comprehensive, but basically is more than enough for individual users and small applications.

Under normal circumstances, if you have the opportunity to use the Unix environment, such as banks, telecom sector, that are generally fixed models of Unix. Such as telecommunications SUN majority, the majority of civil aviation in the HP bank IBM's majority. Learning, different Unix command set is somewhat different, pay attention. As for learning, I think, or linux compare studious, and now more and more people like to tinker with linux, various linux. If you want to learn Linux or BSD system is a good choice. A x86 machine can.

On the application, unless large sites, general corporate or personal use Linux can.

UNIX is a powerful, comprehensive performance multi-user, multitasking operating system, can be applied from supercomputers to ordinary PC, a variety of different platforms, the most widespread application, the operating system has the greatest influence.

Linux is the same or better a look and performance with the UNIX operating system, but Linux does not originate from any version of UNIX source code is not UNIX, but a UNIX-like products. Linux products successful imitation of the UNIX system and function, specifically Linux is a compatible with the System V and BSD UNIX operating system for System V source code of software programs to get recompile under Linux can run For BSD UNIX executable files can be directly run in a Linux environment.

Generally speaking, Linux is set to comply with POSIX (Portable Operating System Environment) specification operating system in an ordinary PC computer, it is able to realize all UNIX features, has a multi-tasking, multi-user capabilities. Another major source Linux loved by the majority of computer enthusiasts, it has the full functionality of UNIX, any use of the UNIX operating system, or want to learn UNIX operating system can benefit from Linux.

Network management capabilities and security, the use of Linux people are very similar to the recognition of Linux and UNIX.

UNIX system has been used as a high-end application or server systems, and therefore has a comprehensive network management mechanisms and rules, Linux follows the excellent rule, the network configurable ability for system management provides a great flexibility.