difference between UNIX and Linux


  • The source code of Linux is freely available to it’s users. Check it out here.
  • Linux primarily uses Graphical User Interface with an optional Command Line Interface.
  • Linux OS is portable and can be executed in different hard drives.
  • Linux is very flexible and can be installed on most of the home based PCs.
  • Linux is used on home based PCs, Mobile Phones, Desktops, etc.
  • Different version of Linux are Ubuntu, Linux Mint, RedHat, Solaris, etc.
  • Linux installation is economical and doesn’t require much specific and high end hardware.
  • The file systems supported by Linux are as follows: xfs, ramfs, nfs, vfat, cramfsm, ext3, ext4, ext2, ext1, ufs, autofs, devpts, ntfs.
  • Linux is development by an active Linux Community worldwide.
Now comes the UNIX OS.
  • The source code of Unix is not available for the general public.
  • Unix primarily uses Command Line Interface.
  • Unix is not portable.
  • Unix has a rigid environment of the hardware. Hence, cannot be installed on every other machine.
  • Unix is mainly used in Server Systems, Mainframes and High End Computers.
  • Different Versions of Unix are AIS, HP-UX, BSD, Iris, etc.
  • Unix installation is comparatively costlier as it requires more specific hardware circuitry.
  • The file systems supported by Unix are as follows: zfs, js, hfx, gps, xfs, vxfs.
  • Unix is developed by AT&T Developers.