Linux/UNIX, and MAC OS are some of the common operating systems used in various models of personal computers both for commercial and home systems. Each of the two operating systems has its own benefits and shortfalls. In addition, the use of each of the two depends on personal preference, nature of use, and the environment where they are used. The two operating systems exhibit various similar and different features in file management. File management is one of the main roles executed by operating systems (Silberschatz, 2013).

However, some operating system have similar mechanisms in handling file management while others have different mechanisms in file management. It is important for computer systems experts and administrators to understand such similarities and differences so as to make the correct choice on which system to use in the right context. Among the two operating systems, the role of file management has evolved from as simple activity into a complex process capable of handling large amount of file in small and large enterprise systems. The paper provides a comparison and differences in file management between Linux/UNIX, and MAC OS.

File management in Linux/UNIX involves basic database functions such as creating, protecting, and retrieving of files from a database. Linux/UNIX are considered some of the secure operating system to use in a commercial environment. On the other hand, file management such as creation, protection, and retrieval is a reflective of UNIX operating systems. Linux/UNIX involves use of lock functions such as flock and lockf to provide access permissions to the files stored in their systems (Gancarz, 2003). Similarly, MAC OS also supports file permissions in its systems. The feature enables both the operating systems to ensure any information, data, or records in their systems are kept safe and protected from any kind of interference.

In addition Linux/UNIX support three types of files which include text, binary, and directory. The primary functions of file management in Linux/UNIX is read, write, and execute (Gancarz, 2003). On the other hand, file management in MAC OS is reflective of UNIX. MAC OS supports files system permissions. Linux/UNIX support the use of POSIX. MAC OS also supports POSIX better known as Portable Operating System Interface standard. POSIX is an open operating interface standard that is accepted across the world. It assures code portability across different operating systems and it is increasingly authorized for use in commercial applications and also for government contracts. With POSIX present in MAC OS, it is possible to develop programs that can be moved among different computer systems manufactures without the need to recode (Pogue, 2002).

Similar to Linux/UNIX operating systems, MAC OS supports three levels of Access which includes read, write, and execute. The use of three levels of access enables system administrators is MAC OS and Linux/UNIX systems to grant different access levels or privileges to different users based on the type and sensitivity of information they want to access. Finally, in file management, MAC OS supports the concept of Access Control Lists (ACLs). The operating system uses the process of Access Control Entries to control access to various files stored in MAC OS system (Pogue, 2002). Access Control Lists is also security mechanism that ensures specific users are granted the privilege to access certain types of files in a MAC OS computer systems.

In a nutshell, the paper has given a discussion between Linux/UNIX and MAC OS operating systems. File management is one the most important roles executed by the operating system. Files need to found, protected, and accessed in a simple manner. Linux/UNIX and MAC OS support creation, protection, and retrieval of files. They also support use of POSIX which makes it easy to transfer programs across different platforms. In addition, they support read, write, and execution of files which is a common concept in operating systems.