Differences between Linux and other operating systems

Source: Internet
Author: User
Article Title: differences between Linux and other operating systems. Linux is a technology channel of the IT lab in China. Includes basic categories such as desktop applications, Linux system management, kernel research, embedded systems, and open source.
Linux can coexist with other operating systems such as MS-DOS, OS/2, and Windows on the same machine. They are all operating systems and have some commonalities, but they are distinctive and different from each other.
  
Currently, the operating systems running on PCs mainly include Microsoft's MS-DOS, Windows, Windows NT, and ibm OS/2. Early PC users generally use MS-DOS, because this operating system does not require high hardware configuration, and with the rapid development of computer hardware technology, the price of hardware equipment is getting lower and lower, people can easily improve computer hardware configuration, so they began to use Windows, Windows NT and other graphic operating systems. Linux is a new operating system that has attracted more and more attention. It is gradually accepted by PC users. So what are the main differences between Linux and other operating systems? The following two aspects are discussed.
  
First look at the difference between Linux and MS-DOS.
  
Running Linux and MS-DOS on the same system has been very common, to play the processor function, the MS-DOS does not fully implement the x86 processor function, and Linux runs completely in the processor protection mode, all features of the processor are developed. Linux can directly access all available memory in the computer and provide a complete Unix interface. While MS-DOS only supports some Unix interfaces.
  
In terms of cost of use, Linux and MS-DOS are two completely different entities. Compared with other commercial operating systems, MS-DOS is cheaper, and has a large share in PC users, any other PC operating system is difficult to reach the popularity of MS-DOS, because the cost of other operating systems is a great burden for most PC users. Linux is free of charge. You can obtain the version from the internet or other means, and you can use it as needed without considering the cost.
  
MS-DOS is a single-task operating system, and once the user runs an MS-DOS application, it excludes the resources of the system, you cannot run other applications at the same time. Linux is a multi-task operating system. You can run multiple applications at the same time.
  
Let's take a look at the differences between Linux and OS/2, Windows, and Windows NT.
  
From the development background, the difference between Linux and other operating systems is that Linux evolved from a mature operating system, while other operating systems, such as Windows NT, they are all self-contained systems with no corresponding operating systems. This difference allows Linux users to make a huge profit from the contributions of Unix groups. Unix is one of the most widely used and developed most mature operating systems in the world. It is a multi-task system developed in the middle of 1970s. Although the interfaces are sometimes chaotic, there is a lack of centralized standards, but it is still one of the most widely used operating systems. Both Unix authors and Unix users believe that only Unix is a real operating system, and many computer systems (from personal computers to supercomputer) have Unix versions, unix users can get support and help in many ways. Therefore, Linux, as a clone of Unix, will also receive corresponding support and help, directly having a strong position of Unix in the user.
  
From the usage perspective, the difference between Linux and other operating systems is that Linux is an open and free operating system, while other operating systems are closed systems and need to be paid for use. This difference allows us to get a lot of Linux versions and applications developed for them without spending money. When we access the Internet, we will find that almost all the free software available can run on Linux. There are a variety of Unix implementations from many software vendors. Unix developers and developers promote their standardization in the form of open systems, but no company controls this design. Therefore, any software vendor (or pioneer) can implement these standards in a Unix implementation. OS/2, Windows NT, and other operating systems are copyrighted products. Their interfaces and designs are controlled by a company, and only these companies have the right to implement their designs, they are developed in a closed environment.

Contact Us

The content source of this page is from Internet, which doesn't represent Alibaba Cloud's opinion; products and services mentioned on that page don't have any relationship with Alibaba Cloud. If the content of the page makes you feel confusing, please write us an email, we will handle the problem within 5 days after receiving your email.

If you find any instances of plagiarism from the community, please send an email to: info-contact@alibabacloud.com and provide relevant evidence. A staff member will contact you within 5 working days.

A Free Trial That Lets You Build Big!

Start building with 50+ products and up to 12 months usage for Elastic Compute Service

  • Sales Support

    1 on 1 presale consultation

  • After-Sales Support

    24/7 Technical Support 6 Free Tickets per Quarter Faster Response

  • Alibaba Cloud offers highly flexible support services tailored to meet your exact needs.