All of us are very familiar with computers or laptops. The software that helps communication between the hardware and the user is the operating system (OS). There are many kinds of operating systems in the market.
But there is a difference between these two types of operating systems. They belong to the same category but have applications at different places and have other functions.
Key Takeaways
- VxWorks is a real-time operating system primarily used in embedded systems.
- Linux is a general-purpose operating system used in desktops, servers, and embedded systems.
- VxWorks is proprietary software, while Linux is open-source.
VxWorks vs Linux
VxWorks is a real time operating system designed for embedded systems. It performs time constraint task with efficiency. Linux is an operating system designed for different desktops like personal computers, super computers, etc. Linux is a free and open-source widely used due to its flexibility.
VxWorks is a real-time operating system developed in 1987. The Wind River, a branch company of the TGS capital, developed it. It is an American company which developed VxWorks.
Linux is also an American operating system. Linus Torvalds developed it. This operating system is designed on c. it uses high-level language for operation. It was mainly designed for computers, smart devices, etc.,
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | VxWorks | Linux |
|---|---|---|
| Developer | Wind River | Linus Torvalds |
| Operating system family | Real-time operating system | Unix-like |
| Marketing targets | Embedded systems only | Personal computers, supercomputers, mobile devices, embedded devices, etc. |
| Initial release | 1987 | 17 September 1991 |
| Uses | Mars Rover 2020, Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, Mars Science Laboratory known as Curiosity Rover | Space X, Jet Propulsion Laboratory in the development of spacecraft, etc. |
What is VxWorks?
VxWorks is a real-time operating system developed in 1987. The Wind River, a branch company of the TGS capital, developed it. It is an American company which developed VxWorks.
Vxworks is mainly programmed on Diab, GNU, and C++ compilers. It supports Intel architecture, Power architecture, and ARM architecture. The components of VxWorks are the Operating system, the hardware, and the software.
It has high applications and milestones in the history of VxWorks in spacecraft like Mars Rover 2020, Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, Mars Science Laboratory known as Curiosity Rover, and many more.
It also has a considerable contribution to the network and communications. Famous companies like Cisco, Motorola, Samsung, Oracle, and Dell power use this operating system for their product development.
This operating system is customizable, easily modified, and has a very safe use property for third-party holders. This is very popular in the electronics, networking, and communication industries.
What is Linux?
Linux is also an American operating system. Linus Torvalds developed it. This operating system is designed on c. it uses high-level language for operation. It was mainly designed for computers, smart devices, etc.,
The main uses of the Linux operating system include routers, intelligent devices, and mobiles. It is also used in automobiles such as Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Hyundai, Toyota, etc. 90% of all cloud infrastructures are powered by Linux, including supercomputers.
Linux has a speeded network due to its flexible application on many commonly used devices. Linux is a free and open operating system which is the main difference from other operating systems.
The operating system Linux is used in video games and in routers too. But it also has specialized uses like digital security, home theatres, system rescue, space, etc.
Main Differences Between VxWorks and Linux
- The initial release of VxWorks in the market was in 1987, and the Linux was on 17 September 1991. Linux came to market after four years of VxWorks.
- Example of uses of the VxWorks operating system is the Mars Rover 2020, Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, Mars Science Laboratory known as Curiosity Rover, and application of the operating system of Linux is Space X, Jet Propulsion Laboratory in the development of spacecraft, etc.
- https://www.diva-portal.org/smash/record.jsf?pid=diva2:37874
- https://elibrary.ru/item.asp?id=21556648
Last Updated : 11 June, 2023
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Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.
The in-depth details about VxWorks and Linux make this article an essential reading for anyone looking to gain a nuanced understanding of the topic.
Absolutely, the article manages to provide a comprehensive consideration of both operating systems.
This article provided an excellent extensive comparison of both operating systems, offering a clear, wide-ranging view of VxWorks and Linux.
I agree, it was very informative – above and behond the traditional comparison table.
The article is good, but I wish it was a bit more engaging and less academic in nature, perhaps with a conversational tone.
Absolutely, the article could certainly have benefitted from a lighter tone.
I completely agree with you, Julie. A conversational and engaging tone would have made it more appealing.
That was quite informative and a well-detailed read about VxWorks and Linux.
While the article’s content is relevant and informative, it’s far too one-sided and lacks a balanced comparison between the two operating systems.
I completely agree, Tim. The article could have offered a more nuanced view.
I found the article to be quite dry and overly technical, making it a bit hard to stay interested throughout.
I understand where you’re coming from, Duncan. It could have used a bit more excitement.
I agree, an injection of enthusiasm would have been appreciated.
The article is a high-quality source of information about VxWorks and Linux, giving a unique insight into the subject.
Absolutely, and it’s a reliable source of knowledge for those seeking information about these operating systems.
Very true, the content is quite enriching.
The article provides extensive information about VxWorks and Linux, but it might have overlooked the emotional appeal found in such write-ups.
Absolutely, Freddie. A bit more emotional appeal might have made it more relatable.
The writer took extra care to provide a thoroughly researched comparison between VxWorks and Linux, worthy of much admiration.
Indeed, much respect to the effort that was put into creating this piece.
This post is a great introduction to the overview of two significant operating systems.
It’s a clear, concise, and easy-to-understand comparison without much jargon.