What is the difference between Linux, Unix, Mac and Windows?
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There are many different types of operating systems(OS).The popular operating systems are Linux, Unix ,mac and windows. The difference between Linux ,Unix,mac and windows is due to its own unique features and benefits.
According to Tutorialspoint
“An operating system is a program that acts as an interface between the user and the computer hardware and controls the execution of all kinds of programs.”
Operating System is connecting link between users and computer resources. We can share, edit , work on any files through Operating System (OS). It provides user interface to perform all tasks.
Over the time Operating System (OS) gradually developed with a lots of features.Depends upon features and developing company,We have Linux, Unix,Mac and Windows Operating System (OS).
Let us see each Operating System (OS) one by one :-
Linux Operating System (OS)
Linux is a family of open-source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel,first released on September 17, 1991, by Linus Torvalds
Popular Linux distributions include Debian, Fedora Linux, Ubuntu,Kali Linux and many more.
Linux is one of the most prominent examples of free and open-source software collaboration. The source code may be used, modified, and distributed commercially or non-commercially by anyone under the terms of its respective licenses, such as the GNU General Public License..
Linux OS Advantages
Linux OS is based on Linux Kernel, so it is easy to use for users who are interested in using this OS.Advantages of using Linux are :-
- It is free and open-source software.
- Most popular among programmers world wide.
- Majority of websites runs on Linux based-server.
- Large Community Support
- Built-in security
- Lightweight and Stability
- Performance
Unix OS
Unix is a family of multitasking, multiuser computer operating systems that derive from the original AT&T Unix, whose development started in 1969 at the Bell Labs research center by Ken Thompson, Dennis Ritchie, and others.
The main features of UNIX were its simplicity, portability (the ability to run on many different systems), multitasking and multi-user capabilities, extensive library of software, and hierarchical file system.
Is UNIX and Linux same thing?
Linux is open source and it is free while Unix is proprietary .Let us see the Linux vs Unix difference:-
Linux
- Linux can run on “regular” off-the-shelf computers.
- Linux has hundreds of different distributions or flavors.
- Linux are free to use.
- Linux is used widely.
Unix
- UNIX-based systems generally require proprietary hardware configurations.
- Variants are much smaller in number
- UNIX applications generally cost money.
- Users are less in number.
Mac OS
According to Wikipedia :
macOS is a Unix operating system developed and marketed by Apple Inc. since 2001. It is the primary operating system for Apple’s Mac computers. Within the market of desktop and laptop computers it is the second most widely used desktop OS.
macOS is very expensive than any other OS.It is widely preferable for high performing tasks.This OS is number one choice for developers because of its dynamic features and high performance.
Features Of macOS
- It is the primary operating system for Apple’s Mac computers.
- Aqua user interface.
- Dynamic desktop
- Performance and long life.
Windows OS
Microsoft Windows, also called Windows and Windows OS, computer operating system (OS) developed by Microsoft Corporation
Microsoft introduced an operating environment named Windows on November 20, 1985, as a graphical operating system shell for MS-DOS in response to the growing interest in graphical user interfaces (GUIs). Windows came to dominate the world’s personal computer (PC) market with over 90% market share, overtaking Mac OS, which had been introduced in 1984. –Wikipedia
Windows OS Features
Windows OS is number one OS used world wide. It is most popular used OS due many features.Lets see the features of Windows OS :-
- Easy to Use
- Less Costly than macOS
- Multitasking
- Compatibility
- Easy and clean user interface
- Widely available applications
- Huge community support.
Conclusion
Operating System are the linking between user and hardware resources.Though there are many OS available, Windows is most popular among all.To find difference between Linux, Unix, Mac and Windows, we have to check all one by one.Each OS have their own functions,features and usability.
Difference between Linux vs Unix, mac vs Windows,Unix vs Windows ,mac vs Linux and Linux vs Windows are all given above with separate headings. OS ranges from free to paid .
