Linux has a long history, dating back more than 30 years. However, it has never been as popular among ordinary computer users as other operating systems such as Microsoft's Windows or Apple's macOS.
Of course, over the years, Linux has become the dominant force in the world of server operating systems. Due to its excellent performance, stability, reliability and security, it has been widely used in server/cloud/IoT environment.
Today, Linux is no longer confined to these environments; it is rapidly gaining momentum as the operating system of choice for many desktop users, especially developers.
The latest numbers bear this out, giving all Linux and open source advocates general reason to rejoice.
Linux OS Takes 3% of Desktop Market Share
According to web analytics firm StatCounter, Linux will have a 3% market share on the desktop by June 2023. This is a remarkable achievement considering the fierce competition with other operating systems.
While some might find this number insignificant, it shows a growing acceptance and recognition of the power and versatility of Linux.
Regardless, Linux's 3% market share is certainly something for its professional community to celebrate. It reflects a growing recognition of the benefits of Linux and efforts to overcome its historical hurdles.
Furthermore, as the Linux ecosystem continues to grow and innovate, its market share will continue to grow 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 this number is the growing popularity of the operating system among desktop users.
With an extremely easy-to-use and completely user-focused desktop distribution of Linux, the operating system is not what it was 20 years ago: a complex equation accessible only to highly skilled hackers.
Linux is gaining popularity among desktop users
Each, often hailed as "Linux on the desktop", has slowly gained acceptance, even appreciation, over the past decade or so.
Free, lightweight and customizable
For desktop users, the main appeal of Linux is its lightweight nature, unencumbered by corporate bloatware, and especially the unlimited customization options.
It allows users to customize the desktop environment to suit their preferences and workflow. With a choice of desktop environments like GNOME, KDE, Xfce, and many others, users can choose the one that best suits their needs.
Emphasis on user privacy
Another important factor driving Linux's growing popularity among desktop users is privacy. In contrast to other mainstream operating systems, Linux generally does not collect user data.
While some distributions may attempt to collect basic telemetry data for improvement, the level of data collection is usually minimal and can be disabled or opted out entirely. This appeals to privacy-conscious individuals who want more control over their personal information.
Linux is a developer's dream come true
Linux has long been the operating system of choice for developers around the world, and its appeal continues to grow.
First and foremost, the open source nature of Linux gives developers unparalleled freedom. They can access and modify source code, customize the environment, and contribute to the community, fostering collaboration and innovation.
In addition, performance is also a key factor. Linux's efficiency, scalability, and ability to run on different hardware architectures make it ideal for resource-intensive tasks.
Its command-line interface and powerful scripting capabilities provide flexibility and automation, simplifying the development workflow.
at last
While Linux enthusiasts rejoice, it's important to remember that the journey doesn't end there. Linux has proven its worth, and its desktop market share rose to 3%, proving its resilience and adaptability in the desktop space.
With continued progress and growing support from the open source community and enterprises, Linux promises to become an even stronger player in the operating system space.