Many folks consider both of these as operating systems. Linux OS is for Desktops & Servers while Android OS is for Mobiles. Is that completely correct?
Linux OS, precisely speaking Linux kernel is the most popular OS while Android is a framework built on top of the Linux kernel. So every Android device is running the Linux kernel as well but every Linux device doesn’t have Android. We can think of the Linux kernel as the foundation on which Android is built. Also, Android isn’t limited to Mobiles only. Android runs on other devices such as TV, Camera, Watch, and even Cars!
Features of Linux:
- Open-source: Linux is an open-source operating system, which means that its source code is freely available to anyone and can be modified and redistributed.
- Highly customizable: Linux is highly customizable, and users can modify and configure the system to suit their specific needs and preferences.
- Command-line interface: Linux offers a command-line interface for advanced users and developers.
- Large software repository: Linux has a large repository of software packages, which can be easily installed and managed using package managers.
- Multiple desktop environments: Linux supports multiple desktop environments, which allows users to choose the interface that they prefer.
Features of Android:
- Mobile-focused: Android is primarily designed for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.
- Highly customizable: Like Linux, Android is also highly customizable, and users can modify and configure the system to suit their specific needs and preferences.
- App-based: Android relies heavily on apps, which are available through the Google Play Store or other app stores.
- Touch-based interface: Android uses a touch-based interface that is optimized for mobile devices.
- Security: Android has built-in security features to protect against viruses, malware, and other security threats.
Similarities between Linux and Android:
- Open-source: Both Linux and Android are open-source operating systems, which means that their source code is freely available to anyone and can be modified and redistributed.
- Linux-based: Android is based on the Linux kernel, which means that it shares many of the same features and capabilities as Linux.
- Highly customizable: Both Linux and Android are highly customizable, and users can modify and configure the system to suit their specific needs and preferences.
- Large software repository: Both Linux and Android have a large repository of software packages, which can be easily installed and managed using package managers or app stores.
- Security: Both Linux and Android have built-in security features to protect against viruses, malware, and other security threats.
Let us see more differences are as follows:
|
Linux |
Android |
|---|---|
| Linux was built by Linus Torvalds | Android uses Java. It executed on virtual machines |
| It is a derived version of Unix. | It executed on virtual machines |
| It is Open-source which means anyone can use it for free. | It is a mobile development open platform |
| It is a stable OS | In android, Linux2.6 is used to power its system |
| It provides trade services and database support | It involves a UI framework. |
| Kernel used in Linux is Monolithic. | Its kernel type is Linux-based. |
| It is designed for PC of all companies. | It is specifically designed for mobile devices. |
| It is mostly used for hacking purpose-based task | It is used in mobile devices for all simple task |
| Example: Linux 5.7 | Example: Android 10 |
| It has the preferred license of GNU GPLv2 (kernel). | It has the preferred license of Apache2.0 and GNU GPLv2. |
Conclusion:
Linux and Android are two popular operating systems that are based on the Linux kernel. Linux is a general-purpose operating system that can be used for a wide range of computing tasks, while Android is a specialized operating system that is designed specifically for mobile devices. When choosing between Linux and Android, it is important to consider the purpose of the operating system and the needs of the user.