Difference between Linux and Unix

Unix and Linux are operating systems similar to Windows, Ubuntu, and Apple macOS. In this article we will discuss Linux vs Unix operating system.

Linux and Unix are operating systems similar to Windows, Ubuntu, and Apple macOS. Operating Systems contain and manage all the programs and applications that run on the desktop or mobile. The primary function of an OS is booting, memory management, loading and execution of a program, data security, disk and process management, and user interface.

You can also explore: Types of Operating Systems

In simple terms, the OS manages both the software and hardware functions of devices. This article will discuss the difference between Linux and Unix Operating systems. So let’s explore ‘Linux vs. Unix Operating System.’

Read Also: What is Operating Systems – Types, Function, and Example 

Must Check: Operating Systems Online Courses and Certifications

Table of Content

• Unix vs. Linux – Difference between Unix and Linux 
• What is Unix?
  • Architecture of Unix Operating System
• What is Linux?
  • Architecture of Linux Operating System

Unix vs. Linux – Difference between Unix and Linux

What is Unix?

Unix is a machine-independent, robust, multi-user, multi-tasking computer operating system developed in the 1960s by AT & T Bell Laboratories. It is the first operating system written in High-Level language (C). The Unix system has a Graphical User Interface (GUI) that provides an easy-to-use environment. The much-appreciated features of UNIX are flexibility, network capabilities, security, time sharing, portability, modularity, etc.

Everything in Unix is either a file or a process and can quickly move operating system software from one hardware to another.

There are many versions of UNIX, such as Sun Solaris, GNU/Linux, and macOS X.

Architecture of Unix Operating System

The three essential parts of Unix are Hardware, Kernel, Shell, and Programs.

Hardware: Hardware is Unix Architecture’s most simple and least powerful layer.

Kernel: Kernel is the most powerful layer and the core of the Unix Operating system as it has the power to start and stop the program, handles the hardware using drivers and acts as an interface between user and hardware. It plays a role in memory allocation and manages the swapping between memory and disk.

The two main features of the kernel are process management and file management.

Also Read: Kernel and its types: Operating Systems

Shell: It is a communication bridge between the user and kernel, i.e., when a user writes a command, the shell reads and understands them and sends a request to execute them. Once the program is executed, it sends a request to display programs on the user’s screen again.

There are three types of Shells in the Unix Operating System:

• Bourne Shell
• C Shell
• Korn Shell

Programs: It is the last and the outermost layer of the Unix architecture that is responsible for executing the application program

Must Check: TCS Unix Online Course and Certificates

Must Check: Unix System Basic Course by Coursera

What is Linux?

Linux is a free and open-source operating system that came into existence around the mid-1990s. It is one of the most popular platforms that manage all of the hardware resources associated with the desktop, laptop, or mobile applications. Linux kernel and application can be installed on any hardware and used by multiple users to perform multiple functions simultaneously.

Linux runs on everything from space rockets, submarines, and supercomputers to mobile as it offers top-notch security using authentication, authorization, and encryption.

Architecture of Linux Operating System

The architecture of the Linux operating system is composed of the following components: Hardware, Kernel, Shell, System Libraries, and Utilities.

Hardware: The hardware layer is made up of several peripherals, such as CPU/RAM/HDD.

Kernel: The Linux Kernel is the foundation of the Linux Operating System and is the core interface between hardware and its processes. The kernel manages memory and helps to determine which process can use the CPU and for how long. 

Shell: Shell is a mean, lean, and coding machine that acts as a medium between kernel and the users, where users can interpret commands and load applications, and execute them.

System Libraries: These are particular types of functions that are used to implement the functionality of an operating system.

Utilities: It provides users with most of the functionality of an operating system.

Must Check: Top Linux Online Courses and Certifications

Must Check: Free Linux Online Courses and Certifications

Conclusion

This article briefly discusses Linux, Unix, the difference between Linux and Unix, and the architecture of Linux and Unix.
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