A Unix-like
operating system is one that behaves in a manner similar to a
Unix system, while not necessarily conforming to or being certified to any version of the
Single UNIX Specification. The term can include
free software /
open source operating systems inspired by Bell Labs’ Unix or designed to emulate its features, commercial and proprietary work-alikes, and even versions based on the licensed UNIX source code (which may be deemed so “Unix-like” that they are certified to bear the “UNIX” trademark). There is no formal standard for defining the term, and some difference of opinion is possible as to whether a certain OS is “Unix-like” or not.
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