[KwasiOwusu]

"But, its just lame, to think that linux users have focused their attention on the few Linux distributions that you can actually buy pre-installed"

Nope.
Its the only way to measure it.
As someone has already pointed out, there are far more pirated copies of Windows desktops and servers installed out there than merely counting the windows units that leave the factory.
I know lots of people have have installed pirated Windows servers on one of their pc's at home, either to study for their MCSE's or just for a home network.
None of that is counted.
But it doesn't really matter,because those servers ae not running the businesses of America.
The severs that count, for the GE, GM's Fords, Dell,s and even small businesses buy their severs with the OS pre-installed.
I don't know many small businessmen running a shop for example,, who have time to go assemble their own server and put in their own lil Linux on it.
They buy it from a company that will service it for them and support the operating system, like Dell.

The IDC and Garner figures reflect the real market share figures, because even if you include uncounted severs, Windows Server still wins.

[dalight]

You mean loses.. after all if they buy a lemon then they end up owning a lemon. As far as small business people running linux... lots of them are and don't know it.. but not on their ... woops.. not alot of them running servers for that matter.. gees.. your point is? I swear it is that sales numbers matter when one product is free and the other is sold.. I just don't get it. One product you just download it and install it and the other you have to staple a hologram to your forehead to run it legally.. I guess you are trying to argue that market share makes Windows more secure? What.. I am lost as to your point.