A Unix-like (sometimes shortened to *nix) 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 standard for defining the term, and some difference of opinion is possible as to whether a certain OS is “Unix-like” or not.

Unix Like OS Distributions