Linux is a popular open-source operating system that is widely used in servers,
desktops, and embedded systems. It is known for its stability, security, and flexibility. Linux is built around the Linux Kernel and provides a command-line interface (CLI) as well as graphical user interfaces (GUIs) for user interaction. What is the Kernel? The Kernel is the core part of an operating system that manages hardware resources and allows communication between hardware and software. It is responsible for tasks like: Memory management: Ensures efficient use of memory. Process management: Handles process creation, execution, and termination. Device management: Manages input/output devices, such as disks, printers, and USB devices. File system management: Controls the reading and writing of files to storage devices. Security and access control: Enforces rules about which processes and users can access system resources. Linux uses a monolithic kernel where most of the operating system's services run in the kernel space, giving direct access to hardware resources. What is the Shell? A Shell is a user interface that allows you to interact with the operating system. It takes commands from the user and gives them to the operating system to perform. UNIX Definition: UNIX is a powerful, multiuser, multitasking operating system originally developed in the 1960s and 1970s by AT&T’s Bell Labs. Features: o Multiuser and Multitasking: Supports multiple users and tasks simultaneously. o Portability: Can be installed on various types of hardware. o Security: Strong file permissions and user-based access control. o File Hierarchy: Files are organized in a hierarchical directory structure. Key Components: o Kernel: Core part of the OS that manages system resources. o Shell: Command-line interpreter that allows users to interact with the kernel. Basic Commands: o pwd: Print the current directory. o cp: Copy files or directories. o mv: Move or rename files or directories. o grep: Search for patterns in files.
MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System)
Definition: MS-DOS is a command-line-based operating system developed by Microsoft for IBM-compatible personal computers. Features: o Single-tasking: It can run only one task at a time. o Monolithic Structure: The system operates through a single, centralized program. o File System: MS-DOS uses the FAT (File Allocation Table) file system. o Command-Line Interface (CLI): Users interact with the system using text commands. Basic Commands: o dir: List files and directories in the current directory. o cd: Change directory. o copy: Copy files. o del: Delete files. o format: Format a disk for use with MS-DOS.
Windows Definition: Windows is a series of operating systems developed by Microsoft. It provides a graphical user interface (GUI) and is widely used in personal computers. Features: o Graphical User Interface (GUI): Offers a user-friendly interface with windows, icons, menus, and pointers. o Multitasking: Can run multiple programs at once. o Security Features: Includes user accounts, firewalls, and Windows Defender for malware protection. o File System: Windows supports file systems like NTFS and FAT32. Versions: o Windows 95/98/ME: Early consumer versions. o Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10: More recent versions with improved multitasking, security, and user interfaces. Basic Commands (CMD): o dir: List files and directories. o cd: Change directory. o copy: Copy files. o shutdown: Shut down the system. o tasklist: List currently running tasks. Difference Between LINUX & UNIX Criteria Linux UNIX
Source Open source, free to use and Mostly proprietary, with some modify open-source variants (e.g., BSD)
Development Developed by Linus Torvalds Developed in the 1970s at
in 1991 AT&T’s Bell Labs
Cost Mostly free (various Commercial versions are often
distributions) costly (e.g., AIX, Solaris)
User Base Widely used in personal Primarily used in large-scale
desktops, servers, and enterprise systems, servers, embedded systems and mainframes
Distribution Numerous distributions (e.g., Limited distributions (e.g., AIX,
Ubuntu, Red Hat, Debian) HP-UX, Solaris)
Comparison of Linux, UNIX, MS-DOS, and Windows
Feature Linux UNIX MS- Dos Windows
Source Open Source Proprietary (mostly) Closed Closed Source Source
Interface CLI/GUI CLI CLI GUI
Multitasking Yes Yes No Yes
Multiuser Yes Yes No Yes
Security High (with High (permissions- Low Medium (with
permissions, based) Windows firewalls) Defender) File System Ext4, Btrfs etc. UFS, ZFS, etc. FAT NTFS, FAT32
