Elaborate the difference between Linux and Unix. 

Linux is nothing but a UNIX clone which is written Linus Torvalds from scratch with the help of some hackers across the globe.

Unix and Unix-like operating systems are a family of computer operating systems that derive from the original Unix System from Bell Labs which can be traced back to 1965. 

Linux is the most popular variant and there comes in a number of different distributions.

Unix is a family of multitasking, portable, multi-user computer operating systems, which also have time-sharing configurations.

Unix systems use a centralized OS kernel which is responsible for managing the entire system.

The programming interface, file abstraction, built-in networking and persistent background processing called daemons are the other features and capabilities that are supported by a Unix OS.

Linux is not Unix, but it is a Unix-like operating system. Linux system is derived from Unix and it is a continuation of the basis of Unix design. Linux distributions are the most famous and healthiest example of the direct Unix derivatives. BSD (Berkley Software Distribution) is also an example of a Unix derivative.

A Unix-like OS (also called as UN*X or *nix) is the one that works in a way similar to Unix systems, however, it is not necessary that they conform to Single UNIX Specification (SUS) or similar POSIX (Portable Operating System Interface) standard.

SUS is a standard which is required to be met for any OS to qualify for using ‘UNIX’ trademark. This trademark is granted by ‘The Open Group’.

As per Linux kernel official README file, Linux is a UNIX clone that is developed from scratch by Linus Torvalds and team. It targets for POSIX compliance. The Linux kernel code was completely written from scratch. It is designed in such a way so that it acts like Unix but it does not have the original Unix code in it.

It is also significant to note that Linux is just the kernel and not the complete OS. This Linux kernel is generally packaged in Linux distributions which thereby makes it a complete OS.

Thus, Linux is only the Kernel, while Linux distributions can be treated as the OS. On the other hand, UNIX in itself is a complete OS as everything (all required application tied together) comes from a single vendor. For Example, Solaris.

Linux distribution (also called as a distro in short) is an operating system that is created from a collection of software built upon the Linux Kernel and is a package management system.

A standard Linux distribution consists of a Linux kernel, GNU system, GNU utilities, libraries, compiler, additional software, documentation, a window system, window manager and a desktop environment.

Most of the software included in Linux distribution is free and open source. They may include some proprietary software like binary blobs which is essential for a few device drivers.