Unix vs. Linux — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 22, 2023
Unix is a proprietary operating system developed in the 1970s, while Linux is an open-source OS kernel inspired by Unix.
Difference Between Unix and Linux
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Unix and Linux, though sometimes used interchangeably, represent distinct entities in the world of operating systems. Unix originated in AT&T's Bell Labs in the 1970s, serving as a trailblazer for many subsequent operating systems. Linux, on the other hand, emerged in the 1990s as an open-source Unix-like kernel, developed by Linus Torvalds.
Unix operating systems are proprietary, with several different versions stemming from various companies. Linux, conversely, epitomizes the spirit of open-source, where the underlying code is freely accessible and modifiable. This has fostered a plethora of Linux distributions like Ubuntu, Fedora, and Debian.
In terms of user base, while Unix has traditionally found a home in big corporations and universities, Linux has experienced a broader reach, from servers and desktops to smartphones (thanks to Android). The community-driven nature of Linux has played a pivotal role in this widespread adoption.
From a developer's perspective, the lineage connecting Unix and Linux is evident. Many command-line utilities and interface conventions remain consistent between the two. However, because Linux is open-source, it has seen more rapid innovation and diversity in its applications and ecosystems compared to Unix.
Comparison Chart
Origin
Developed at AT&T's Bell Labs in the 1970s
Created by Linus Torvalds in the 1990s
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Nature
Proprietary
Open-source
Versions/Distributions
Various proprietary versions
Numerous distributions like Ubuntu, Fedora, etc.
Typical Use
Big corporations, universities
Servers, desktops, smartphones, and more
Development
Slow due to proprietary nature
Rapid and community-driven
Compare with Definitions
Unix
Originated at AT&T's Bell Labs.
Unix development began as a research project.
Linux
Pivotal in the open-source movement.
Linux encouraged collaborative software development.
Unix
Known for its stability and security.
Financial institutions often prefer Unix for its reliability.
Linux
Used in devices from PCs to smartphones.
Android, based on Linux, dominates the smartphone market.
Unix
Base for various OS derivatives.
MacOS has a Unix-based foundation.
Linux
An open-source Unix-like kernel.
Linux powers the majority of the web servers.
Unix
A proprietary operating system from the 1970s.
Many servers still run on Unix.
Linux
Developed by Linus Torvalds in the 1990s.
Torvalds initiated Linux as a hobby project.
Unix
Commands and utilities became industry standards.
The Unix command-line inspired many other systems.
Linux
Backbone for various distributions.
Ubuntu is a popular Linux distribution.
Unix
Unix (; trademarked as UNIX) is a family of multitasking, multiuser computer operating systems that derive from the original AT&T Unix, whose development started in the 1970s at the Bell Labs research center by Ken Thompson, Dennis Ritchie, and others.Initially intended for use inside the Bell System, AT&T licensed Unix to outside parties in the late 1970s, leading to a variety of both academic and commercial Unix variants from vendors including University of California, Berkeley (BSD), Microsoft (Xenix), Sun Microsystems (SunOS/Solaris), HP/HPE (HP-UX), and IBM (AIX). In the early 1990s, AT&T sold its rights in Unix to Novell, which then sold its Unix business to the Santa Cruz Operation (SCO) in 1995.
Linux
Linux ( (listen) LEEN-uuks or LIN-uuks) is a family of open-source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991, by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution.
Unix
(software) Any Unix-like operating system, including Unix.
Linux
An open-source operating system modelled on UNIX.
Unix
(software) Collectively, Unix and unix-like operating systems.
Linux
(software) Any unix-like operating system that uses the Linux kernel.
Unix
Trademark for a powerful operating system
Linux
An open-source version of the UNIX operating system
Common Curiosities
Are Linux commands similar to Unix?
Yes, many Linux commands are inspired by Unix conventions.
Why is Linux considered more flexible than Unix?
Linux is open-source, leading to diverse applications and rapid innovation compared to proprietary Unix.
Is Linux a version of Unix?
No, Linux is an independent OS kernel inspired by Unix but is not a Unix derivative.
Can I access Unix source code?
No, Unix is proprietary, while Linux's source code is open and freely accessible.
Which is more popular: Unix or Linux?
Linux is more popular today, especially in server environments and mobile devices.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
