What is the different with Linux and Mac OS?

Answer 1

Both Linux & Mac OS X are from the Unix family, so they're like distant cousins in a way. Windows is a completely separate entity.

Now for the differences:

Mac OS X

• Proprietary -- it belongs to Apple and there can be no modifications at all to the software without the express written consent of Apple
• You can only use Mac OS X on Apple computers that come pre-loaded with Mac OS X (unless you want to break the law and use a Hackintosh which I don't recommend -- you could even be arrested if Apple decided to press charges)
• Is used on approximately 2-3% of all desktop computers
• It uses proprietary software which means that most (not all) of the software that you can buy and use in Windows, you can also use with a Mac

Linux

• It is a free open source operating system which means that once you install it on a PC, you can modify any part of it without breaking the law
• It can be installed on any computer, even on Mac PCs
• It's used on approximately 1-2 % of all desktop computers (however, android is based on Linux and most mobile devices run Android, which means most mobile devices run Linux)
• It uses free-libre-open-source software primarily
  • this means that if you want to use Microsoft Office in Linux, it's recommended that you use Libre Office or Open Office instead, they are both compatible with Microsoft Office
  • Likewise, any other software that's available on Windows, may or may not work under Linux but there's more likely alternate software that will do the same job, for example: instead of Photoshop you can use Gimp, instead of internet Explorer you use Mozilla Firefox or Chrome, etc.

Answer 2

Comparing a kernel to a company is like apples to Oranges.