Linux System Administrator
VS
Unix admin
– What is the difference?
The matter is narrow-purpose and is often relevant in the case of staff recruitment, casting around a firm the dedicated post, assigning to the exact person for the execution of specific administration objectives.
In the IT world, among others, there are positions of Linux system Administrator and Unix admin.
Why do we share similar definitions, what is familiar to them, and what is different?
So, the standard type of administration system is Unix. Based on Wikipedia and many other resources, it is apparent from the beginning that a few decades ago – there was a Unix. Then, after some time – based on Unix’s open-source code- Linux was developed.
In each of the systems, it is possible to upgrade the source code, kernel, and packages for one’s own needs and, regarding the license conditions of the primary system – to distribute the final result.
Over time, a variety of distribution kits of Unix and Linux appeared.
The schematically historical development of Linux and Unix systems is given below.
Linux System Administrator
On the technical side, the main differences between Linux and Unix are:
- System kernel: in which the source code, modules for multitasking support, virtual memory, dynamic libraries, delayed loading, a productive memory management system and many network protocols are concentrated.
- source code and package management systems,
- network security systems, firewalls,
- The source code’s degree of “openness” and the possibility of modification adaptation to specific hardware, software, and workflows.
Logically, the Linux System Administrator is a person who configures, deploys, and manages daily and automates workstations, physical and virtual servers, and clusters built based on Linux operating systems and Unix admin – correspondingly, Unix operating systems.
The system administrator of operating systems, some exact type – someone who specializes in working with the system. These systems have many common and, naturally, many differences. One person can always engage in his practice with the same operating system, such as with Linux and Unix. Eventually, the person obtains steady experience, preferences, and unequivocal opinion over time.
If a person is engaged for a long time in Linux administration, he has positioned himself as a Linux system Administrator, if in Unix systems – Unix admin, correspondingly.
Further, Linux System Administrator and Unix admin could also get deep into some parts of the system, among which:
- systems upgrade, rebuild;
- network infrastructure;
- data storage systems;
- security matters;
- integration with other distributed systems;
- databases;
- web servers;
- automation of regular tasks.
Also, specialization depending on types of Linux or Unix could be shared: in Ubuntu Linux and FreeBSD Unix installation of a packet, Firewall configuring, for example, are made by different methods.
Based on all the above, a Linux system Administrator and a Unix admin are administrators with quite a different spectrum of tasks, although often with a shared knowledge of the architecture and processes of each of the systems. Experience, knowledge of specific technologies, examples of implementation and development of specific tasks are vital factors of the expert.