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UNIX

UNIX

11 4.5
An operating system for computers that lets many people use the same machine at once, often on servers or workstations
  • proper noun
  • /ˈjuːnɪks/
  • Specialized
translation icon : UNIX
  • Jon has been a software developer in the Unix/C environment for over 20 years.
  • UNIX workstations
  • UNIX operating system
  • UNIX machine

You contributed a lot to to Unix's early development.

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Examples

  • Computer workstations with UNIX-compatible operating systems are most commonly used.

    Academic text (2006)
  • The main processor is an Indigo workstation from Silicon Graphics Inc. with the Unix operating system.

    Academic text (1996)
  • The vast majority of web servers are UNIX machines, and the UNIX operating system is case sensitive.

    Academic text (1995)
  • Workstation GISs are usually Unix-based and have larger data storage and processing capabilities.

    Academic text (1998)
  • Linux uses the Common Unix Printing System, or CUPS, which was developed by Apple and is used in Mac OS, Linux and other Unix like operating systems.

  • Many large companies use UNIX to manage their servers and provide services to users.

  • The UNIX operating system is favored by developers for its robust multitasking capabilities.

  • In the tech industry, UNIX is renowned for its stability and efficiency in handling multiple users.

Synonyms

UNIX system
vsUNIX
  • Specialized
1 4.4

An operating system for many users, known for being stable and used on servers

focuses more on origin and use on servers and workstations
UNIX operating system
vsUNIX
  • Specialized
4.4

An operating system used on servers and work computers that lets many people use one computer together

is the shorter name form used instead of the full phrase

Compounds

UNIX system
  • Specialized
1 4.4

An operating system for many users, known for being stable and used on servers

UNIX guru
  • Jargon
5.9

A person who knows UNIX very well and helps others with it

UNIX operating system
  • Specialized
4.4

An operating system used on servers and work computers that lets many people use one computer together

Unix weenie
  • Offensive
9.9

A person who loves Unix systems and the command line and ignores other systems

Surface Forms

UNIX main

Etymology

UNIX came from a joke about an older system called Multics: the new, much smaller system was nicknamed Unics as a play on the prefix uni- meaning 'one' or 'single', and that spelling later became UNIX. So the name reminds us that UNIX began as a small, simple system, which helps explain why people think of it as a clean, powerful operating system today.