The Difference between Linux and Unix?

[Justice M]

Hello.

This may seem like a FAQ, but I just need to know, what is the difference between Linux and Unix? Surely they share some similarity because of the similar-sounding names?

I am pretty sure that I read somewhere that Unix was invented in 1964 - that is old! But, does that mean Unix is outdated, or one of the most updated and most up-to-date OS you can get then!?

I am also sure that I read somewhere that Linux was developed in the early 1990's ('92 or '93 I believe) off of Unix. If it was built using Unix source code, isn't it the same OS?

Answers would be appreciated. I think this thread should be stickied too to help future n00bs that have this same question.

Thanks.

[Tor]

You are correct, Linux was based off of Unix. The difference is Unix is usually proprietary meaning one organization develops it like HP-UX (HP Unix). They have their own operating system and their own hardware (you have to buy their hardware and OS). The result is an extremely stable operating system that is measured in uptime per years not days.

Second, other than Solaris, I have seen a couple of Unix machines and they all seem outdated. They run CDE (Common Desktop Environment) instead of KDE or Gnome or something similar. Although their GUI is outdated you still have the same functionality. If you need something extra, like a C++ compiler, you have to buy their component instead of just downloading for free like Linux.

Corporations spend millions on these Unix machines and they are worth it. It isn't so much what they have on them (such as new software) it is their reliability. They also run test high-end software such as Oracle Database and Applications and are not used as desktop machines, but pure servers.

[Jordan]

The main difference is that Unix is proprietary built and maintained by large organizations. Linux is freeware and maintained by a multitude of people.

[Justice M]

Originally Posted by Jordan

The main difference is that Unix is proprietary built and maintained by large organizations. Linux is freeware and maintained by a multitude of people.

Large organizations such as FreeBSD and OpenBSD?
How is it proprietary?

[Jordan]

FreeBSD and OpenBSD are not organizations (hence the name, Free and Open). Also, they are not Unix - they are BSD.

[Ricardo]

I'm a noob to this, but this is interesting.
Are Linux and Unix favoured by business applications like servers, as opposed to music or graphic uses? I don't think I've ever seen them.

[Justice M]

Originally Posted by Jordan

FreeBSD and OpenBSD are not organizations (hence the name, Free and Open). Also, they are not Unix - they are BSD.

I thought BSD was Unix..?

[Prog]

Originally Posted by Ricardo

I'm a noob to this, but this is interesting.
Are Linux and Unix favoured by business applications like servers, as opposed to music or graphic uses? I don't think I've ever seen them.

You are right. Most normal users use Windows..

[Kaabi]

I always wondered the difference between Unix and Linux and now I know. Very interesting stuff.