Is Apple Linux?

[Seamus]

Recently I was talking to a very bright friend (he's an astro physicist) and very interested in computers.Speaks fluent science.

I mentioned one reason I have not gone to Apple is that I am really not interested in learning a new OS,having tried Linux .


His response was to say that Apple is BASICALLY only Linux anyway.

I did not ask him to explain as when he gets technical, he loses me in about 30 seconds.


Is he right(ish)?

[Jinny]

Most of the software that works on apple can work on linux.
But most of the time you must have the source.
And use the linuxtools to make your own RPM for linux.

[Xeno]

Seamus, Linux is a Unix-like system. Linux uses a unique kernel but in operation is otherwise like using Unix. Mac OS X uses a Unix kernel with an Apple GUI but otherwise can be commanded like Unix/Linux.

It is likely your friend was keeping the explanation simple, owing to the command level similarity and existence of a broadly, functionally similar GUI in each case. I doubt he was saying OS X was based on Linux itself. If he did, he was wrong.


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Pad phantom simulating key drafts

[Seamus]

If he did, he was wrong.

I almost certainly misunderstood.


This a man who taught himself code so he could write his own programmes.

Thanks everyone for the answers.