220-1002 · Question #599
Which of the following operating systems is based on UNIX source code and is closed source?
The correct answer is C. macOS. Among major operating systems, only one is both directly derived from original UNIX source code and distributed as a closed-source, proprietary product.
Question
Which of the following operating systems is based on UNIX source code and is closed source?
Options
- AAndroid
- BWindows
- CmacOS
- DLinux
How the community answered
(62 responses)- A2% (1)
- B3% (2)
- C89% (55)
- D6% (4)
Why each option
Among major operating systems, only one is both directly derived from original UNIX source code and distributed as a closed-source, proprietary product.
Android is based on the Linux kernel, which is UNIX-like in design but was written independently without using original UNIX source code, and it is distributed as open source under the Apache License.
Windows is a closed-source OS but is not based on UNIX source code - it is derived from the Windows NT kernel architecture, which has no UNIX lineage.
macOS is built on Darwin, which incorporates BSD (Berkeley Software Distribution) code - a direct descendant of the original AT&T UNIX source code. Apple distributes macOS as a proprietary, closed-source product, and it holds official UNIX certification from The Open Group, satisfying both criteria of being UNIX source-based and closed source.
Linux was written entirely from scratch by Linus Torvalds without using UNIX source code, and it is distributed as open source under the GNU GPL license.
Concept tested: Identifying UNIX-based closed-source operating systems
Source: https://support.apple.com/guide/security/kernel-security-sec1dd9c6021/web
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