What is Unix / Linux?

Question

Alot of people in school are using Unix / Linux what it all about. Is it an OS like windows or something ???

Answer 1

So far not one person knew exactly what Linux is. They all have an idea of what it is, but they do not really know.

Linux is an Operating System, but more accurately Linux is the Kernel. Linux is based on the Unix Operating System and uses much of the Unix Command Line.

The Kernel is the heart of an Operating System. Microsoft has the Windows Kernel, Mac and BSD have the Mach Kernel and the 100s of GNU/Linux distributions run the Linux Kernel. When you see people saying Linux or Ubuntu Linux they are using a short form which is not technically correct. The correct term is GNU/Linux.

Linux is not the PC version of Unix like the first person said. Unix was on PCs long before Apple left the IBM compatible PC format. Linux can run on any computer platform. If you have all of the basic computer components to install an Operating System you can install Linux. Linux has been installed on Macs, Xboxes, and PS2s. Other Unix based Operating Systems are Sun Solaris and a few BSD distributions.

Linux is not intended as a competitor to Microsoft but rather an alternative. Linux and Open source are all about freedom. The Linux and Open Source communities believe your computer should be able to do exactly what you want it to do, as well as look and feel exactly as you want. If you have the knowledge you can recompile your Kernel so that it only has what you need for your system, this is done to reduce boot time and increase performance.

Not all Linux distributions are without a monetary cost.

There are many differences between the different distributions, but they are not so big that you can not switch from one to another.

If you have questions or want to try Linux feel free to e-mail me and I will help as best I can.

Answer 2

Unix/Linux's purpose is to be a Open Source Operating system that can be configured to exactly what is needed of it. For example, you can configure it to run as a Server, a Desktop, Print Station, and more. Most of the Open Source software is also free and widely available, mostly for the sole purpose of improving the distributions of Unix/Linux as a whole, and to deliver just as much performance, if not more efficiency, than some of the Windows and Mac platforms out there. It's also a heck of a lot easier to obtain 600 copies of a Free Software system, then to pay Apple or Microsoft for 600 Keys of an Operating System. As for your class, if you're studying to be involved into the computer world, you will eventually come across a system with Unix/Linux, and the knowledge to troubleshoot such a system goes a long way with your employers. You may also need to fix a client's machine that runs Unix/Linux. Cheers.

Answer 3

OS thats right, linux is a enchance unix by linus trovald, same with windows but this one is free, it has a general public license. Dont be cunsufed becuase there are many distro of linux, but still only the packages and window manager differs.

Answer 4

Linux is the PC version of Unix -- a free operating system known for security and stability. Some versions, such as Ubuntu come with a windowing interface that is both easy to setup, use and maintain. Give it a try - www.ubuntu.org

Answer 5

Yes. Linux and Unix are OS like windows. Infact Unix is older than Windows. It is used mainly in servers. Linux is a flavor of Unix. It is used both in servers and in PCs. Best part is its absolutely free.

Windows is mainly a PC based operating system. But there is a server version too.

For more info refer to:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unix

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux

Answer 6

microsoft windows competitor