Final answer:
Corporations favor Unix/Linux due to cost savings, customizability, and the avoidance of vendor lock-in, with Linux powering file servers, routers, and supercomputers, showing its economic and technical superiority.
Step-by-step explanation:
Corporations are increasingly interested in using Unix or Linux as their operating systems due to several economic and technical advantages. Initially, Unix was more or less open but became commercialized, leading to proprietary versions that were costly. The development of Linux, an open-source operating system by Linus Torvalds, marked a significant shift away from these expensive, vendor-locked systems.
Linux's configurability allowed for an efficient customization of features, catering to diverse enterprise needs. The adoption of Linux by major PC manufacturers such as IBM and Dell also helped in reducing system costs and breaking Microsoft's OS monopoly. Additionally, Linux proved its prowess by becoming the system of choice for file servers, internet routers, and even on all Top-500 supercomputers, clearly demonstrating its scalability and power. These factors, among others, have made Unix/Linux operating systems very appealing for corporations, especially those keen on reducing costs, optimizing system performance, and avoiding vendor lock-in issues that come with proprietary systems.