Linux vs Solaris

Updated May 9, 2023

Differences Between Linux vs Solaris

Linux is an open-source operating system. Linux is not a program. It is an interface between software and hardware. Linux is one of the best software that provides high stability and dependency. Linux is free and readily available as it is platform-independent. Solaris is an operating system based on UNIX. The creators wrote Solaris, an OS, in C and C++ languages. Solaris supports SPARC and Power PC platforms. Its developers built Solaris with the concept of open source, and they integrated the source code, libraries, commands, and kernel.

Linux

• Linus Torvalds developed Linux and released it in 1991. In Linux, new changes like upgrading components, modifications, and configuring the features are easy without creating problems with existing members.
• The terminology of Linux consists of a bootloader, Init-program, Kernel, system library, and system utility. Linux has a wide range of distributions: 1. Ubuntu Linux 2. Linux Mint 3. Arch Linux 4. Deepin 5. Fedora 6. Debian 7. Opens Use.
• Each distribution is different and has different interfaces to each other. One can choose distribution depending upon their requirements. Linux architecture is divided into two parts or layers: The kernel Layer and the User layer. The kernel layer comprises the interface, kernel code, and board support package.

Solaris

• Solaris was initially created by Sun Microsystems and released in the year 1992. Solaris has originally licensed software and needs to obtain the licenses to install it in machines. After Oracle acquired sun microsystems in 2010, it was renamed Oracle Solaris. Oracle discontinues the open-source Solaris.
• Oracle is providing a 90-day free trial version of the software to use. To continue with the software after a free trial day period, we would have to purchase the license from Oracle to use Solaris as a development platform.
• Oracle has released Solaris with new features and enhancements over the years, like a service management facility, kernel zones, and other services. Oracle Solaris is a great choice for updating cloud installations due to its advanced virtualization, networking, and security features. Many organizations choose to use Solaris to host legacy applications in cloud environments to ensure optimal security and performance.

Head to Head Comparison Between Linux and Solaris (Infographics)

Below is the top 8 comparison Between Linux and Solaris:

Key Differences Between Linux and Solaris

Despite having many similarities, both Linux vs Solaris have many differences as well; we will look into these Differences between Linux and Solaris in detail:

1. Linux needs more stability. Solaris has more muscular strength as compared to Linux.
2. Linux has basic scheduling. Solaris has a wide range of scheduling and can use and configure when required.
3. Linux has a standard Input-output ability. Solaris has wide multipathing COMSTAR support.
4. SVR4 is an old service mechanism used by Linux, which is text-based, doesn’t allow any dependency, and doesn’t enable reverting service configurations. In contrast, Solaris uses a new service mechanism called SMF, which is based on XML configuration and allows dependencies and layouts to be reverted whenever required.
5. Linux is platform-independent. Solaris is not available for some platforms but for different architectures.
6. Linux provides good security and performance. Solaris has provided a strict security feature, which gives a significant edge to safety to performance.
7. Linux has good administrator ability. Solaris has excellent administrator ability to install and administer the system quickly.
8. Red Hat mainly provides Linux support. Solaris is supported by Oracle (after acquiring Sun Microsystem).

Following is the Comparison table between Linux vs Solaris.

Basis of Comparison	Linux	Solaris
Intended	Linux is intended for Embedded tablets and phones.	Solaris is not intended for the same.
Throughput	Linux has good throughput.	Solaris has excellent throughput.
Programmed	Linux was written in C language.	Solaris was written in C and C++ language.
Compatibility	Linux has good binary compatibility.	Solaris has excellent binary compatibility.
Platform	Linux supported IBM Power and Z series.	Solaris supported SPARC and Power PC.
Upgrade	For Linux, upgrade tools are used for updates.	Solaris updated with software updates.
Installation	Kickstart installation.	The automated installer is used to install.
Management	Linux does not have any such facility.	Solaris has a system management facility (SMF).

Conclusion

Linux and Solaris are both operating systems. These UNIX-like systems have similarities in virtual memory, process, kernels, paging, system calls, buffer, cache, multiprocessor support, CPU scheduling and support, resource controls, mapped files, etc. Linux and Solaris have different sets of command-line commands to use. If you are familiar with one, it would be easy to use another.

Oracle Solaris is not having the luxury of popularity as Linux. Solaris is secure, simple, cloud-friendly, and cloud-ready as it provides excellent compatibility with management tools to quickly and efficiently run the infrastructure on the cloud.

Both are learning and innovating themselves from each other and implementing new features as required. From the above, you will have an overview of the differences and characteristics of Linux and Solaris.

Organizations are selecting the operating system these days wisely; security is their primary concern. In today’s world, there are so many types of viruses; malware is available to make your system slow and insecure. System security is at the top of the list, which will provide good performance from methods as well.

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