What's the difference between Linux and UNIX?

[Kaabi]

I've always wondered what the difference is between Linux and UNIX. I've heard of UNIX sometimes, but I don't know what it is. Is it a complete different OS then Linux? I'm just trying to learn here

[joey]

Linux is licenced under the GNU/GPL, which makes it "OpenSource Software", so you can read, and modify the Source Code, recompile and make your own Linux 'Version', if you want, you can sell it, BUT you must give away the Source Code Again...

So this is what makes Linux (and the rest of the OpenSource Software) Great... Hundreds of Thousands of proggrammers around the world debuggin the code, tracking errors, fixing them and sending the patches to the author... for money, for fun, or just to help.

Besides Almost any commercial software (Including UNIXES like HP-UX, AIX, IRIX), that only gives away the compiled code.

Linux is a UNIX-Like Operating System, written from Scratch, based on the POSIX Standard, that defines the Way a UNIX-Like OS must work.

All Unixes must be POSIX Compliant, no matter if it's Linux, BSD-s, HP-UX, AIX, Solaris, IRIX, etc, etc....

After All, UNIX is a Trademark that originally belonged to Bell Laboratories (AT&T), and has been sold to one company to another with the years... (UNIX is what the owner wants it to be)

So, POSIX is the Standard, but for Tradition, all this POSIX-Compliant Operating Systems are called UNIXES, or UNIX-Like.

[dgridley]

Thanks for the clarification.. until now, I thought they were basically interchangeable terms.

[Lyte]

Good info Joey, thanks!

I think it's neat when people/companies create something wonderful and then give it away! Sure, it's important to make money but a gift that effects/helps so many is priceless... no pun intended! :p

Lyte