Most people think UNIX and Linux are the same thing so this makes sense. Obviously to us they aren’t but for most people it really doesn’t matter. I’m sure they’ll still sleep at night.
this post was submitted on 24 Feb 2025
252 points (86.4% liked)
Linux
50472 readers
1104 users here now
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).
Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.
Rules
- Posts must be relevant to operating systems running the Linux kernel. GNU/Linux or otherwise.
- No misinformation
- No NSFW content
- No hate speech, bigotry, etc
Related Communities
Community icon by Alpár-Etele Méder, licensed under CC BY 3.0
founded 5 years ago
MODERATORS
I get that it specifies tech workers, but still my first reaction was that 12% is pretty low. You can find a much higher percentage of people who are confidently wrong about way more important things.
I'm not that surprised, a lot of people around me dot have a clear picture of what is the relationship between MacOS, Linux and Unix is. So I suppose some of them would guess that Linux is a modern fork of Unix and MacOS based on Unix.
I know a guy who worked on Unix in the '80s and he is very clear that Linux / MacOS are just Unix.
Yes but no. Some folks are purists and feel that the actual code must derive from the original BSD/SysV code.
Sillies! It's based on GNU!
I’d just like to interject for a moment. What you’re refering to as GNU, is in fact, GNU/Linux, or as I’ve recently taken to calling it, GNU plus Linux. GNU is not an operating system unto itself, but rather a gathering of the GNU corelibs, shell utilities and vital system components that together with a Linux kernel comprise a full OS as defined by POSIX.
(Finally it's the other way around 😆)
GNU/MacOS/TimApple/Proprietary/Unix Which is all apart of the SystemD Operating system
I would be more surprised if 12% of "tech workers" know what Linux is at all.
Fwiw: I work in a call center as basically a more knowledgeable tech for our client facing team to rely on for help and only about 1% of them have any familiarity with Linux in the slightest.
I wonder about the framing of this question, like another comment mentioned, it's kinda like evolution where MacOS and Linux have a common ancestor, I could see the wording throwing people off.
"Is MacOS based on linux" seems to be the wording used?
I'd bet less would fall for, "Is MacOS a Linux distribution?"
Edit: Ha some people in the comments had similar thoughts, in addition to Linux and Unix being nearly synonymous to all but those who are very into that kind of thing.
Edit again, if anyone else is curious https://youtu.be/jowCUo_UGts
What I find more shocking about this assertion is that I have no facts to back it up, but I believe it, and I'm not surprised.
Of course someone here has a link to some actual research .. right?
What are you looking for?
Actually, what OP is referring to should be called GNU/Linux. Here's a link to do some more research https://www.gnu.org/gnu/linux-and-gnu.html
Is apple free? No? Then it's either violating the GNU license or it is not based on it
I'm familiar with Linux, having used it daily since 1999.
I'm referring to the research about tech workers thinking that MacOS is based on Linux.
Since OP is sharing it, op should back it up, not you
Well that explains a lot… 🤦🏻♂️
Oh... 👀