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Here is the deal... They can’t even claim to know how many Linux desktops are actually out there. And here is why. There is a record of EVERY MS and OS X install out there. This is NOT true with Linux. Because all they can do is track “downloads”.... a Linux user can distribute that one same download onto 20 computers if they like.

Plausible - as they do with Windows in China*, but your premise needs substantiation, and if use was solely or mainly obtained they way you presume, then it would be hard to explain the use of Linux-driven severs and their websites, as well as in foreign countries, etc. and underestimate the likes of Google as well as Chicoms.

Research finds:

NetMarketShare doesn't simply count PCs which connect to its network of over 40,000 websites using HitsLink Analytics and SharePost. Its methodology is to "collect data from the browsers of site visitors" and it then weights the data by country. "We compare our traffic to the CIA Internet Traffic by Country table, and weight our data accordingly. For example, if our global data shows that Brazil represents 2% of our traffic, and the CIA table shows Brazil to represent 4% of global internet traffic, we will count each unique visitor from Brazil twice."
StatCounter claims its numbers are derived from raw browser hits from racking code, which is installed on more than 2 million sites. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_Counter
Perhaps the most unbiased numbers are from the federal government's Digital Analytics Program (DAP). DAP's numbers come from the billion visits over the past 90 days to over 400 US executive branch government domains. That's about 5,000 total websites. These visitors appear to be largely US citizens. You can see this from the most popular websites: The US Postal Service, the IRS, and Medline Plus. - https://www.zdnet.com/article/how-many-linux-users-are-there-anyway/

Google can usually determine what operating system you are using when you access their services, as your device sends information about itself, including the operating system, to Google servers through "device identifiers" which allow them to customize your experience based on your device. When you access a Google service, your device automatically sends details like your operating system version, browser type, and device model, which Google uses to identify you and tailor the experience. While Google can identify your operating system, they claim to use this information primarily for improving service functionality and not for personal profiling without your consent. - Generative AI is experimental.

Bing can identify what operating system you are using based on information gathered from your browser when you search, including details like your device characteristics and browser configuration; this helps them tailor search results to your specific device and system.
Key points about Bing and operating system detection:
When you use Bing, it collects information like your IP address, location, browser details, and the time and date of your search.
Purpose of detection:
Knowing your operating system allows Bing to optimize search results based on your device capabilities and potential compatibility issues. Privacy considerations:
While Bing can identify your operating system, you can manage your privacy settings to control what information is collected and how it is used. - Generative AI is experimental.

In 2024, the majority of Linux users will be between 25 and 40 years old, representing 62% of the total user base.
North America and Europe account for 58% of Linux users.
Meanwhile, Asia holds around 25% of the Linux user base, driven by tech hubs in India and China.
According to Linux Statistics, in 2024, approximately 75% of Linux users had a bachelor’s degree or higher, and many worked in technology fields.
Based on profession, almost 40% of Linux users are software developers, followed by administrators or IT professionals (30%) and students learning technology-related subjects (15%).
In 2024, male users dominate the Linux community, representing 88% of the total user base and 12% of female users.
Moreover, 35% of Linux users are employed in cloud computing and DevOps roles, and 20% are involved in cybersecurity.
More than 15,000 professionals earned Linux certifications in 2024, a 12% increase from 2023
The majority of Linux users have annual incomes between USD 60,000 and USD 120,000. (Source: thebusinessresearchcompany.com) https://www.coolest-gadgets.com/linux-statistics/ (lots of Linux stats)

* Ballmer told Fox Business on Thursday that, when he left Microsoft a few years ago, 90% of Chinese companies were using Windows, but only 1% were paying for it...hat proved lucrative for the company, because it meant Microsoft could fend off the threat of the free alternative to Windows, the Linux operating system, by slashing its prices in China in order to get people there to convert to paid Windows users. Note that the Linux threat has always been particularly prevalent in China, as the government has enthusiastically backed local versions of the open-source OS.- https://finance.yahoo.com/news/yes-chinese-piracy-lost-microsoft-123104842.html