I have only heard that both are based on Unix but that the Mac system is closed whereas the code of Linux is opened
2006-06-17 11:23:40 · 3 answers · asked by Guillaumeb 3 in Computers & Internet ➔ Other - Computers
Linux is an "open source" operating system that can run on many different computer systems. "Open source" means that anyone who wants to, can reprogram the operating system to fit their needs. This goes way beyond changing the color of the desktop the sounds it plays when you click an icon. If you wanted to, you could reprogram Linux to run on a Sun, PDA, or an IBM AS/400. "Open source" means that the source code is open to anyone who wants to change it and they don't have to pay any fees or royalties to the original developer.
The source code for OS/X used by Macintosh is not available to people. Therefore, you can't change it to make it run on your PDA or any of the others listed above. It is closed.
2006-06-17 11:42:16 · answer #1 · answered by Lord Tyrant 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have the general idea right.
However a Linux system can perform at a much higher rate of speed because it is not weighted down with a bunch of Gui's. and A Linux system can be pared down by the user/administrator to only perform unique tasks and thus can be tailored to specific tasks.You can develop your own modifications to the Linux OS if you desire to make it completely Custom.
There are just hundreds of differences, including things like Linux has a much larger market share than Mac and its free, Mac is not.
2006-06-17 11:32:52 · answer #2 · answered by Pete 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mac looks for user friendly GUI, Linux looks for stability and security...
Please see the source for a whole list of differences.
2006-06-17 11:31:02 · answer #3 · answered by yazeed.aloyoun 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋