Terms to know before diving into this blog post to have a better understanding:
- Hardware: Think of hardware as the physical parts of a computer, such as the processor, memory (RAM), storage (hard drive or SSD), and input/output devices (keyboard, mouse, etc.)
- Kernel: The kernel is like the brain of the operating system (OS). It is the software that manages and controls the hardware. This ensures that different parts of your computer can work together. It is like a traffic policeman who controls the flow of information between hardware and software.
- Operating System (OS): An operating system is a layer of software that contains the kernel and other essential components. It provides a user interface and services that allow you to interact with your computer. For example Windows, macOS and Linux.
- Applications: These are the programs and programs you use, such as browsers, word processors or games. Applications run on the operating system. They send requests to the operating system, which in turn communicates with the kernel to access hardware resources needed to perform tasks..
Now let’s dive into the difference between Unix, Linux, Debian, and Kali Linux:
In the digital world, operating systems are like the bosses of computers. Think of Unix as a complete system, just like Windows or macOS. It's got everything a computer needs to run smoothly, including its main part called the "kernel," which is like the computer's brain.
Now, imagine Linux as a special type of brain for computers. Linux is a Unix-like operating system (OS) developed by the open source community for computers, servers, mainframes, mobile devices and embedded devices, People create different "bodies" around this brain, resulting in various computer systems that suit different needs.
Debian is one of these special "bodies" built around the Linux brain. It's known for being trustworthy and safe, offering lots of useful programs and tools. It's like a complete computer system, all based on Linux, perfect for those who want stability.
For the computer safety experts out there, Kali Linux is like a super-special version of Debian. It's made for testing and protecting computers from bad things. With powerful tools, it's a go-to for those focused on keeping computer systems safe.
Summary:
- Unix: a complete operating system, such as Windows or macOS, which contains the essential kernel.
- Linux: The free and open source brain for computers, the basis of various computer systems.
- Debian: a reliable and secure "computing framework" built around the Linux brain and providing a complete system with useful programs.
- Kali Linux: A super special edition of Debian designed for computer security experts and offering powerful tools for testing and protection