What is UNIX and Where Can I Get It?
UNIX is an operating system that is used to run personal computers and large network servers in a cost effective manner. This type of operating system was originally designed in the 1960s and was popular for its stability and low cost operation. The UNIX operating system consists of a multi-user environment that can be implemented on a variety of different platforms such as Linux and Mac OSX. All of the major computer operating systems contain some type of UNIX configuration with the exception of Microsoft Windows. UNIX is basically a standard for which large organizations and businesses build their own operating systems.
Benefits of UNIX
UNIX is one of the most popular operating systems that have ever been invented because of the benefits it offers to the users.
- Independence: UNIX is not dependent upon another server type to conduct applications such as email and printing. This reduces the limitations on file sizes that normally occur with a separate mail server or print server. It also reduces some of the risks that occur when data is transferred over a separate server where it can be intercepted by a hacker.
- Stability: Because UNIX is so well designed an operating system crash is a very rare event. It is capable of handling a massive amount of applications without causing a crash to the system.
- Low Cost: UNIX is very cost effective to operate. Where most Windows software is commercial and costly, UNIX software is free. Additionally the hardware is relatively inexpensive and the cost of operations is quite low.
- Easy Installation: UNIX is just as easy to set up as the Windows operating system and there is very little error that occurs during the installation process.
Where to Download UNIX
UNIX is available to everyone as a download that is free of charge. There are many different downloads that are available on the Internet that contain different versions of UNIX. To find the version that is right for you, you can type UNIX into the search engines to find out what types of versions are available and the different tasks that they perform.
It is also a good idea to read the forum discussions to find out what the top sites are for downloading a UNIX operating system. This is also a great way to get advice and tips on using a UNIX operating system.
It is important to note that if you have a slow Internet connection, most of the top UNIX sites will offer you a CD to download the UNIX operating system for a small fee.