All of us are very familiar with computers or laptops. The software that helps to communicate between the hardware and the user is known as the operating system (OS). There are many kinds of operating systems in the markets. The most famous is Windows, followed by Android and others. Linux and VxWorks are also well-known 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 different functions. So here are some basic differences between the VxWorks and Linux to clear the concepts and use them inappropriate places.
VxWorks vs Linux
The difference between VxWorks and Linux is that VxWorks is a real-time operating system, whereas Linux is an operating system. VxWorks has its maximum use in electronic devices and embedded systems, whereas Linux was mainly designed to be used in computers and smartphones.
Vxworks is a real-time operating system developed in 1987. It was developed by the Wind River, a branch company of the TGS capital. It is an American company, which developed the VxWorks. It is mainly used in robotics, aerospace crafts, embedded systems, etc. The famous robot ASIMOV is designed using VxWorks. This operating system can be easily customized and has the latest modified version in 2020.
Linux is also an American operating system. It was developed by Linus Torvalds. This operating system is designed on c. it uses high-level language for operation. It was mainly designed for computers, smart devices, etc., it was initially released in the market on 17 September 1991. It has specialization uses for digital security purposes, system rescue, etc. Linux is programmed on a high-level programming language and has its distribution in the hands of the developer and the users.
Comparison Table Between VxWorks and Linux
| 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. It was developed by the Wind River, a branch company of the TGS capital. It is an American company, which developed the VxWorks. It is mainly used in robotics, aerospace crafts, embedded systems, etc. The famous robot ASIMO is designed using VxWorks.
Vxworks is mainly programmed on Diab, GNU, C++ compilers. It supports Intel architecture, Power architecture, and ARM architecture. The components of VxWorks are the Operating system, the hardware, and the software. Some features of VxWorks are memory protection, and high-speed networking has developed an error handling network, comes with a 64-bit high-speed operating system, etc.
It has high applications, which are milestones in the history of VxWorks are in spacecraft like Mars Rover 2020, Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, Mars Science Laboratory known as Curiosity Rover, and many more.
It also has a huge contribution to the network and communications. Famous companies like Cisco, Motorola, Samsung, and Oracle, and Dell power use this operating system for their product development.
This operating system is customizable, can be easily modified, and has a very safe using 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. It was developed by Linus Torvalds. This operating system is designed on c. it uses high-level language for operation. It was mainly designed for computers, smart devices, etc., it was initially released in the market on 17 September 1991. It has specialization uses for digital security purposes, system rescue, etc. Linus Torvalds developed the operating system Linux on his own and named the kernel the Linux kernel.
Linux also runs on an embedded system. The main uses of the Linux operating system include routers, smart devices, mobiles and is also used in automobiles such as Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Hyundai, Toyota, etc. 90% of all cloud infrastructures are powered by Linux, including the 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 in respect to other operating systems. Its distribution is largely controlled by the users and its developer.
The operating system Linux is used in video games and in routers too. But it also has some specialized uses like in digital security, home theatres, system rescue, in space, and many more.
Main Differences Between VxWorks and Linux
- Vxworks is developed by a branch company of the Wind River Systems, and the Linux is developed by Linus Torvalds.
- The operating system family of Vxworks is the Real-Time operating system, whereas the family of an operating system of Linux is UNIX-like.
- VxWorks comes with a marketing target on the embedded systems. On the other hand, Linux has its marketing target on personal computers, supercomputers, smart devices, mobiles, etc.
- The initial release of VxWorks in the market was in 1987 and the Linux on 17 September 1991. The Linux came to market after 4 years of VxWorks.
- The example of uses of 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.
Conclusion
Both the operating system VxWorks and Linus have vital applications in the electronics and communication industries. The Linus is mostly popular in the development of personal computers, mobiles, etc., whereas the Vxworks have mainly used in sophisticated as well as well-established industries and space projects like Mars 2020, automobiles like Audi, Hyundai, etc. but both of these are very important for the society.
The VxWorks has easy customization and easy developing operating system, and the Linux is developed on a high-level computer language that is C. VxWorks supports hardware like Intel work, PowerPC, etc., whereas Linux supports hardware like IPAQ and IBM.
