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**Unix, the pioneering operating system, was co-created by Dennis Ritchie alongside Ken Thompson.** Developed at Bell Labs in the 1960s and 1970s, Unix introduced groundbreaking concepts like hierarchical file systems, pipes, and shells. Its modular design, portability, and powerful command-line interface fueled its widespread adoption in academia, research labs, and eventually the tech industry, leaving an indelible mark on the digital landscape.