#7 – Multics: The Operating System That Inspired Unix

#7 – Multics: The Operating System That Inspired Unix Multics (Multiplexed Information and Computing Service) is the legendary OS that was decades ahead of its time. Born out of a collaboration between MIT, GE, and Bell Labs in the 1960s, Multics introduced groundbreaking features like segmented memory, hierarchical file systems, and ring-based security — many of which still underpin today’s most secure systems. It may have been complex and commercially limited, but Multics’ architectural brilliance inspired Unix, which in turn gave rise to Linux, BSD, and macOS. Even modern CPU hardware with protected kernel modes owes its design to Multics. It didn’t just influence operating systems — it created a whole lineage. Not all legendary tech comes with name recognition. In this episode of IT SPARC Cast - Top Ten, @john_Video and @loudoggeek count down the Top Ten Most Influential Operating Systems You’ve Never Heard Of. While these operating systems that didn’t dominate the headlines, they did quietly change the world. These OSes shaped modern computing, from time-sharing and GUIs to virtualization and microkernels. You may not know their names, but their fingerprints are all over your daily tech. Whether you’re a sysadmin, historian, or just a curious nerd, this countdown of the most influential unsung operating systems will surprise and educate. Let’s roll back the clock and celebrate the OS innovations that powered everything from IBM mainframes to Amiga multimedia. Youtube Episode - Top Ten Part 3 - https://youtu.be/ASZ2KBXI9xs YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvipdAxKY_zFcU1Io7WHxag Apple Podcast Link - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/it-sparc-cast/id1765417728 Spotify Link - https://open.spotify.com/show/6bzVql2gpV6aVqX8oAAPls Amazon Podcast Link - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/ea33693d-f555-4a7c-8c36-d321ab5cfed2/it-sparc-cast?ref=dm_sh_MPp9hVbtUJhlG3cN3xhfN5YN3 Acast Link - https://shows.acast.com/it-sparc-cast