Linux - comparison between Linux and Unix
What is UNIX?
Unix is an old, powerful operating system developed in the 1970s at AT&T's Bell Labs. It was mainly used by scientists, universities, and big companies. It’s the foundation for many other systems, including Linux and macOS.
What is Linux?
Linux is a Unix-like operating system created in the 1990s by Linus Torvalds. It’s open-source, which means anyone can view, use, and modify the code. Many different versions (called distributions) of Linux exist today, like Ubuntu, Fedora, and Kali Linux.
Key Differences Between Linux and Unix
| Feature | Linux | Unix |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Created by Linus Torvalds in 1991 | Developed by AT&T in the 1970s |
| Open Source | Yes – Free to use and modify | No – Most versions are commercial and closed-source |
| Cost | Free | Usually requires a license (paid) |
| Usage | Personal computers, servers, embedded systems | Mostly used in enterprise servers and workstations |
| Distributions | Many (Ubuntu, Kali, Fedora, etc.) | Fewer (AIX, HP-UX, Solaris) |
| Hardware support | Supports many types of hardware | Limited to specific hardware |
| Community support | Huge online community and forums | Smaller, mainly enterprise support |
| System updates | Frequent and flexible | Less frequent, controlled by vendors |
Are They Compatible?
-
Linux is inspired by Unix and behaves similarly.
-
Many commands are the same (like
ls,cd,pwd,cp, etc.). -
But they are not identical. Some system-level features, file structures, or admin tools can differ.
Simple Analogy
Think of Unix like an old, powerful blueprint used by big construction companies.
Linux is like a modern, free version of that blueprint that anyone can use, customize, and build with — from small homes (personal PCs) to skyscrapers (big servers).
