Understanding the Differences Between Linux and BSD

When it comes to open-source operating systems, Linux and the BSDs are some of the most well-known and widely used. Both are Unix-like systems, but they have distinct differences. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of what sets these operating systems apart.

The Licenses of Linux vs. BSD

While both Linux and the BSDs (Berkeley Software Distributions) are free and open-source, the nuances in their licensing terms contribute to their unique characteristics. Linux is covered under the GNU General Public License (GPL), which enforces the requirement of returning any modifications to the community. In contrast, BSD licenses, such as the BSD 2-Clause or 3-Clause, have a more permissive nature, allowing modifications without the need to return changes to the community. This permissiveness is what made Apple choose BSD as the foundation of macOS, as Apple did not need to contribute back to the community for commercial use.

The Common Ground: Linux and BSD

Despite the differences in licensing, Linux and the BSDs share a great deal of commonality. Both are Unix-like operating systems, which means they share many of the same principles, shells, and command-line tools. Furthermore, both operating systems rely on a combination of a kernel and additional software to function. The commonality extends to their use of the same software, such as the Gnome, KDE, or other desktop environments, which can be installed on either system.

The Kernel vs. Operating System

The key distinction lies in their composition. Linux is primarily a kernel, developed by Linus Torvalds while he was a student at the University of Helsinki. A Linux distribution, such as Ubuntu, Mint, Debian, Fedora, Red Hat, or Arch, is a combination of the Linux kernel and a wide array of software, including utilities, libraries, and applications, packaged into a cohesive system.

In contrast, the BSDs are both a kernel and a complete operating system. For instance, FreeBSD includes both the FreeBSD kernel and the FreeBSD operating system, maintained as a single project. This means users can install FreeBSD with relative simplicity, as everything is packaged and ready to use. In contrast, installing a full-fledged Linux distribution requires selecting a distribution and ensuring all necessary components are installed correctly.

Lineage and Development

The divergence in lineage and development history also contributes to the differences between Linux and BSD. The Linux kernel was created by Linus Torvalds, aiming to provide a freely usable operating system, following UNIX principles but with a focus on flexibility and wide-ranging support. On the other hand, the BSD lineage can be traced back to Bell Labs, specifically the modifications to Bell UNIX that were developed at the University of California, Berkeley. This divergence led to the creation of multiple BSD variants over time, including FreeBSD, OpenBSD, NetBSD, and DragonFly BSD.

Conclusion

In summary, while Linux and the BSDs share a common foundation in Unix-like principles, they diverge in key areas such as licensing, kernel versus operating system, and development lineage. These differences make each system suited to different use cases and user preferences. Whether you prefer the flexibility and broad community support of Linux or the simplicity and coherence of a complete BSD, both offer powerful and robust options for open-source operating system users.