I bought my first Mac back in June and suddenly, it seems I come across these words more and more.

What do they mean? What is it? And how are they different from Windows? I had a Dell before my Mac and I can't remember coming across these words then.

I've tried to Google this, but there is never a straight answer to my question, or the answer is so involved that I don't really get it. In simple terms, talking to someone who doesn't know much about computers other than internet, Word, some PC games, and web design, what is Linux and Unix? Are they different?

It's been driving me crazy, thanks.

There are 4 main operating systems for computers:

Windows - By far the most widely known and used operating system
Mac OSX - Used only on Apple Computers
Unix - A powerful, professional operating system. Used on workstations.
Linux - A free version of Unix


Basically, an operating system is the software foundation of your computer. It accepts keys as you type, puts them on the screen, loads and run programs you select, provides internet access, etc.

Obviously, you know what Windows is and does. In effect, the others do the same thing, just in slightly different ways. If you have a Mac, then you have to use Apple's operating system. Unix is mainly used in academic and commercial environments, not really for a home user. Linux is like Unix in many ways, and it can and does run fine on home computers, but is not for beginners. It is for geeks (like me!).

Windows, Mac OSX, and Unix all cost money. Linux is free. It's cool, but again, not for novices.

One reason you may have starting hearing more about Unix/Linux since you got your Mac is that OSX is based on Linux. Under the pretty Graphical User Interface beats the heart of Linux/Unix.

Hope this helps, and was about the right level of detail.
WallyH

That was a great answer. Thank you very much.

Mac OSX has Linux roots. OSX has "The Terminal". Many of the commands used in that window are Unix/Linux shell commands.

There are GUI's or Graphical User Interfaces for Unix/Linux. These are typically based on X-windows.

Linux comes in many flavors, but has the same root. Somebody by the name of Linus Torvaldes (spelling) decided to create a Unix for PC's. Note the similarity of the name to Linus and Unix?