What is the Difference Between GNU and Linux

The main difference between GNU and Linux is that GNU is an operating system designed as a replacement for UNIX with many software programs while Linux is an operating system with a combination of GNU software and Linux kernel.

An operating system works as the interface between the user and hardware. It is a major component that ensures the proper functioning of the entire computer system. UNIX is an operating system, but it was expensive. Therefore, the Free Software Foundation developed GNU operating system with a lot of free software. It allows users to copy, develop, change, and distribute software as required. Linux is the combination of GNU software and Linux kernel.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is GNU
     – Definition, Features
2. What is Linux
     – Definition, Features
3. What is the Difference Between GNU and Linux
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

GNU, Linux, Linux Kernel, Unix

What is GNU

GNU is an acronym for GNU’s Not UNIX. It is a replacement for UNIX and does not contain any UNIX based code. Also, this operating system consists of a wide range of software. The founder of the GNU project is Richard Stallman. The project consists of the operating system kernel and GNU HURD, which is a multi-server microkernel written as part of GNU.

GNU operating systems, software programs and development tools (GNU Compiler Collection etc.) are distributed free under GNU General Public License (GPL). This provides users with the ability to copy, develop, distribute and modify the software. Therefore, all GNU software is freely available to the users without a commercial license.

What is Linux

Linux is a combination of GNU software and Linux kernel. Linux operating system was released under the GNU General Public License in the year 1992. There are various versions of Linux. The Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Debian, Ubuntu are some of them. Linux has common use in computers desktops, embedded systems, smartphones, etc. It has a large community around the globe.

There are many advantages in using Linux. Since it is a secure operating system, it is free from various malicious software. As multiple users can work simultaneously in it, it is a multi-user system. Furthermore, Linux supports multitasking. Therefore, it is possible to execute multiple processes at the same time. Overall, Linux is a powerful and stable operating system.

Difference Between GNU and Linux

Definition

GNU is an operating system with an extensive collection of computer software whereas Linux is a family of free and open source software that is built around the Linux Kernel. Thus, this is the main difference between GNU software and Linux.

Basis

Another difference between GNU software and Linux is that GNU is an operating system with a collection of software developed under the GNU project while Linux is an operating system based on GNU.

Conclusion

The main difference between GNU and Linux is that GNU is an operating system designed as a replacement for UNIX with many software programs while Linux is an operating system with a combination of GNU software and Linux kernel. In brief, the most popular version of GNU is the GNU/Linux system which uses the Linux kernel.

Reference:

1. “GNU.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 4 Jan. 2019, Available here.
2. “What Is GNU?” Computer Hope, 13 Nov. 2018, Available here.
3. “GNU.” P2P (Peer To Peer) Definition, Available here.
4. “Linux.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 28 Jan. 2019, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “How the Linux OS Was Announced to the World in 1991” by methodshop .com (CC BY-SA 2.0) via Flickr
2. “Heckert GNU white” By Aurelio A. Heckert <[email protected]> – gnu.org (CC BY-SA 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia