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.
What a joke.
“…it is rapidly gaining momentum as an operating system of choice for many desktop users”
30 years and flat at 3%. “Rapidly”
While I am currently using a PC with Windows 10 Pro, the last two computers I installed an operating system on have Linux. When Windows 10 Pro is no longer supported in late 2025, that will be my last Windows PC. I figure to be using Linux for everyday use well before then.
Apple Mac had sunk to about 2% in the mid ‘90s, after the failed Mac laptop (lead batteries, no backlighting), failed Newton, failed GX, dead-end 680x0 processors, the ridiculous Centrum line, the release of Windows 95, etc. It came back over time with healthy high single digits, not counting iOS and iPad OS.
Desktop Linux going from under 1% to 3% IS a healthy jump, and that is despite having almost no presence in the phone
or laptop market, even as laptops have become the main “desktop” in much of corporate America, and moreso since COVID.
It has been a long climb, but because Linux’ presence is HUGE in Internet server market, is not processor centric, and is explicitly based on UNIX, the root system is EXTREMELY strong.
For us Freepers, it is relevant as software that allows endless variation and MUCH less privacy intrusion than Microsoft and Google (Chrome OS/Android), and the “updates” are not mandatory, and neither are hardware upgrades.
Yeah a slow climb to 3% on the desktop, in addition to half of the server world, is a big deal. I am typing this on my well-provisioned Ubuntu desktop, which does 80% of what I need.
Android OS on your non-Apple phones is derived from Linux.
Apple phone iOS is derived from BSD unix.
If Raspberry Pi is recognized as a desktop, the percentage could potentially increase. I currently have one placed on my desk.
Queue the condescending Windoze users that enjoy paying exorbitant annual usage fees, punishing upgrade fees, and crappy customer service.
When you go for help on the support sites, you get gang-banged. They aren’t there to help. They are there to ridicule.
Linux is great for servers in a data center. Its not a home computer type of os though.
That’s weird-—I’ve been using it exclusively at home as my only desktop OS for the past 20 years. My latest laptop came with it pre-installed.
I certainly look forward to something that replaces Windows with localized computer storage.
Windows generally insists on wasting half an hour of my time whenever it connects to the Internet.
Will I be buying a new Windows machine? No.
I’m using a Chromebook which surfs nicely but uses remote storage of documents which causes delays of seconds.
My neighbor gave me his old Mac which if I spent the time to learn how to use it might be the most suitable.
Uhh--no.
“exorbitant annual usage fees”
I believe from time to time Microsoft still offers non-annual versions of Word & Excel combos.
I’d probably buy a combo and new Windows machine if Microsoft could prove to me it was able to sell me a PC that worked at least as fast as lazy old me.
Are you able to play withcher 3 on it?
Will linux run office 365?
I admit that 3% isn’t much of a share, but once you’ve tried Linux, you wont go back.
Using steam proton it shouldn’t be an issue. However I have not personally tried that exact title. Checkout protondb.com
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