Unix

Unix is an operating system developed at the Bell Labs by Ken Thompson in 1969, supporting multitasking and multiuser functionalities. The Unix operating system was developed using the C programming language for large mainframe systems. It has an easy-to-use graphical user interface.

Unix is widely used on internet servers, business and mainframe computers. It is frequently used in all computing systems such as desktop computers, laptop computers, and servers. Mac OS and BSD systems are built on the Unix kernel. All operating systems for mobile devices, such as Android, iOS, Chrome OS and even Orbis OS on PlayStation 4, are Unix-like. Moreover, all of the AIX, AIXL, DYNIX/ptx, HP-UX, IRIX, MINIX, SCO OpenServer, SCO UNIX, Solaris, System V, Tru64, ULTRIX and Xenix Unix operating systems are Unix distributions.

The Unix operating system comprises of three parts: kernel, shell, and programs. The shell acts as a bridge reading commands between the operating system and the user. It serves as an interface between the user and the kernel and interprets command lines. The user uses the shell to query commands. The shell then transfers them to the kernel. The kernel is the heart of the operating system that directly interacts with the hardware managing memory, controlling system access and providing other services.

Unix, with its various types, has had a profound impact on the computer industry. Most ordinary users interact with Unix systems every day without realizing it. Software developers often use the Unix operating system due to its multitasking and flexibility features. Unix programmers often adhere to a Unix programming philosophy that emphasizes simplicity and elegance.
 

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Unix?

Unix has many features, including a file structure that provides simple access and maintenance for data, facilitates quick and easy information exchange among users, and operates on different types of devices.

The biggest difference of Unix from other operating systems is the use of the command line. Instead of clicking as in the Windows operating system, command lines with written text are used. These texts are written to the terminal. Although this may seem difficult and tedious, using the command line actually makes running programs and analyzing data faster, more flexible, and more efficient.

Like every operating system, Unix has its advantages and disadvantages. So what exactly are the advantages and disadvantages of Unix?

Advantages of Unix:

• Multiuser: A large number of users can use Unix at the same time. Multiple users can access resources such as main memory, hard disk, tape drives, etc. Also, multiple users can log onto the system from different terminals and run different jobs that share the resources of one command.
• Multitasking: Many commands can be executed at the same time in the Unix operating system. It can fulfill multi-tasks of many different users. It can easily coordinate bringing one task to the foreground, while the other task takes place in the background without conflict.
• Secure: It securely stores data with many basic and advanced security features. It also enhances user security by forcing users to authenticate with a username and password to access the system.
• Portable: This feature allows for easy transfer of code to any computer system and Unix to operate on different machines. Unix can be easily adapted to all computing systems such as desktops, laptops, and servers.
• Easy communication: Unix is set up to allow the user to easily communicate worldwide. It offers various communication possibilities such as write command, mail command and talk command. Its commands are easy to understand and simple to use.
• Open Source: The Unix operating system is open source. It can be freely used and processed by everyone.

Disadvantages of Unix:

• Help: Getting help for problems encountered in Unix can be more difficult compared to other operating systems. Difficulty in reading files and difficulty in finding files in the system can prevent getting help easily.
• Confusion: The operating system is complex. Before you can use Unix, you first need to learn how to use it, and understand how the commands work.

How Do We Start Using Unix?

Before starting to use Unix, your system administrator needs to create a Unix account for you. Other users may also be working on this system.

Every user communicates with the computer through the terminal. That's why you need to know your account name and the name of the computer where your account is located. You can log in by entering your user identity or login name, followed by your password.

What are the Unix-like Operating Systems?

The terms Unix-like or Unix-based are used to describe operating systems that operate similarly to Unix, despite not having the Unix brand. Unix-likes generally have functions similar to the Unix command and shell.

Examples of proprietary Unix-like operating systems include AIX, HP -UX, Solaris and Tru64. Software developers consider operating systems linked to Bell Labs' original code base, branded systems meeting the SUS like HP-UX and IBM AIX, and functional systems such as Linux and Minix that behave consistently with Unix, as Unix-like systems.
 

What is the Future of Unix?

Unix and its derivatives have been running on web servers, mainframes and supercomputers for over 40 years. In recent years, smartphones, tablets and personal computers that run versions or derivatives of Unix have started to be used. The use of the operating system on cloud platforms is becoming more common.

Since Unix usage is not as widespread as other operating systems, questions like "is Unix dead" are frequently asked. Researchers argue that Unix will continue to be used due to many usage features such as security and proprietary software. Moreover, the use of Linux, which evolved from Unix, is increasing more and more.