Desktop Operating System Market Share Worldwide Posted on 07/12/2023 4:56:02 AM PDT by ShadowAce
Linux enthusiasts rejoice! After a long journey, according to StatCounter’s data, by June 2023, Linux has achieved a 3% desktop market share.
Linux has a long history that dates back more than 30 years. However, it has never been as popular among regular computer users as other operating systems such as Microsft’s Windows or Apple’s macOS.
Of course, for many years, Linux has emerged as a dominant force in the realm of server operating systems. Due to its exceptional performance, stability, reliability, and security, it has been widely adopted in server/cloud/IoT environments.
However, these days, Linux is no longer limited to these environments alone; it is rapidly gaining momentum as an operating system of choice for many desktop users, especially developers.
And the most recent figures confirm this, giving all advocates of Linux and open source in general reason to rejoice.
According to StatCounter, a web analytics company, by June 2023, Linux has reached a 3% market share in the desktop segment. This is a remarkable achievement considering its fierce competition from other operating systems.Desktop Operating System Market Share Worldwide
While someone may seem the figure modest, it signifies a growing acceptance and recognition of the power and versatility of Linux.
In any case, the achievement of a 3% market share by Linux is undoubtedly a cause for celebration among its dedicated community. It reflects the growing recognition of Linux’s strengths and the efforts to overcome its historical barriers.
Moreover, with the continued development and innovation within the Linux ecosystem, its market share will continue growing in the coming years.
The growing importance of cloud computing and the rise of server infrastructure have also contributed to Linux’s success. Still, the main reason for reaching this figure is the operating system’s growing popularity among desktop users.
With exceptionally easy-to-use and entirely user-centric Linux desktop distributions, the operating system is no longer what it was 20 years ago – a complex equation available only to highly technically enlightened hackers.
Linux with GNOME Desktop. Yes, I know. Over the last 10+ years, each one has often been heralded as “Linux on the Desktop,” although it turns out that’s not quite the case. But still, we’re close to that point now. And for good reasons.
The main appealing aspect of Linux for desktop users is its lightweight nature, free from corporate bloatware, and especially the limitless customization options.
It allows users to tailor their desktop environment to suit their preferences and workflow. With a vast selection of desktop environments like GNOME, KDE, Xfce, and many others, users can choose the one that best aligns with their needs.
Another important factor driving Linux’s growing popularity among desktop users is privacy. Compared to other mainstream operating systems, Linux generally collects no user data.
While some distributions may try to collect basic telemetry data for improvement purposes, the level of data collection is typically minimal and can be disabled or opted out of entirely. This aspect appeals to privacy-conscious individuals who prefer more control over their personal information.
Linux has long been the operating system of choice for developers worldwide, and its allure continues to grow.
First and foremost, Linux’s open-source nature empowers developers with unparalleled freedom. They can access and modify the source code, customize their environments, and contribute to the community, fostering collaboration and innovation.
Furthermore, performance is also a crucial factor. Linux’s efficiency, scalability, and ability to run on diverse hardware architectures make it ideal for resource-intensive tasks.
Lastly, its command-line interface and powerful scripting capabilities offer flexibility and automation, streamlining development workflows.
So, as Linux enthusiasts rejoice, it is essential to remember that the journey does not end here. Linux has proven its worth, and its rise to a 3% desktop market share is a testament to its resilience and adaptability in the desktop field.
With ongoing advancements and increased support from the Open Source community and businesses, Linux is poised to become an even more formidable player in the world of operating systems.
Our mainframe is Linux and our Development VM’s are Linux. It’s easier than dealing with all the Windows licenses in VM’s.
I've been a UNIX sysadmin since 1982 and kernel code developer since 1983. PacBell had full source code access as a Bell BOC at that point in time. Modern Linux really spoon feeds the pablum to the unwashed end user. You don't need a huge skill set to use it. It is only on the rarest of occasions when I need to do obscure things like moving filesystem to a large disk, doing a filesystem expansion and tweaking details around physical and logical volume managers. Hacking a device driver to continue supporting the embedded Ethernet hardware on the motherboard also falls in the obscure range. The cheap "out" is to just install a supported Ethernet interface on the PCIE or USB bus.
I hadn’t known that new Linux releases REQUIRE UEFI. Heck, I remember it was controversial when Intel put a unique processor ID on 486 processors. Are there any new Linux releases that do not require UEFI? I thought that was mainly a MS thing.
I just bought a new charger (lost the old one) for a Samsung Chromebook I bought 11 years ago.
I fired that relic up and it works. Naturally it’s way past its expiration date.
So I’m thinking of converting it to Linux. Anyone ever do that? Is it feasible? Practical?
do you have the 400? or something else?
“…it is rapidly gaining momentum as an operating system of choice for many desktop users”30 years and flat at 3%. “Rapidly”
And "Linux desktop" is due to its many flavors. I think Linux could be #1 if I knew how to code and make it the way I think it should (laughing at myself). But I have not switched since the time and energy it would take to customize a distro like I have and can rather quickly and easily with Windows is simply not warranted.
As a frustrating novice on a Smart phone, but seasoned customizer of a desktop, I have yet not see that as a commendation!
I am using W/11 64 bit pro, having migrated for free from W/8 to 8.1 to 10, at a cost of $29.00 upgrade from XP years ago, that was on the Retail channel (legally enabling migration).
Specs? Virus scan?
I have the pi3 and the 400. I like to code on the 400.
“Will linux run office 365?”
You can use the browser base version on Linux. I use the browser Office for work daily. You can now use Edge browser on Linux too.
Such hyperbole is not helpful, versus an objective analysis.
I have run Fedora for many years. The semi-annual cadence of upgrades have been accommodated with an "upgrade in place". I had 3 BIOS only boxes that became unbootable as Fedora rolled out the UEFI only update. I couldn't wait for them to backdown. One machine was gutted and a new motherboard with Ryzen CPU installed. I put Ubuntu on that one. The other two got switched off. I have two others that have a Fedora partition that hasn't been booted in months. I use Fedora because it lets me build ahead of the official Red Hat releases. My development code is mature and ready to deploy as Red Hat releases the next version.
I hate to break it to you, but your situation and experience is NOT "objective analysis." It is anecdotal, at best.
Objective analysis calls for studying a larger group of people with varying experiences and needs.
That saying is growing truer every day.
I did not say my own anecdotal experience was "objective analysis," but it remains that "once you’ve tried Linux, you wont go back" is hyperbole, and such hyperbole is not, versus an objective analysis. And my objection was to the hype.
Objective analysis calls for studying a larger group of people with varying experiences and needs.
Yes, it does. That saying is growing truer every day.
Aside from a slow growth in Linux desktop use, what recent survey can you provide of users who tried Windows and Linux and switched, and polled such aspects as on user proficiency of each and home use versus business?
At least years ago (way back in 2007) asurvey by OpenSUSE.org reported that desktop users as a class were more likely more tech savvy (thus they would be less prone to infections than your average Windows user on that basis alone, in addition to Linux being more secure), almost all male.
China is ditching Windows for ‘Kylin’ which is Ubuntu.
#16 and everyone who wants Microsoft Office.
This is for Windows 10/11
I bought from them last Dec 22, 2022.
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AH so.. then i am not the only one who got a 400 to code on.
my coding is not commercial grade, just for me to keep myself active.
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