Linux market share passes 4% for first time; macOS dominance declines
arstechnica.com
Report: Linux was on 6.34 percent of computers last month if you count ChromeOS.

We see the nearly 33-year-old OS’s market share growing 31.3 percent from June 2023, when we last reported on Linux market share, to February. Since June, Linux usage has mostly increased gradually. Overall, there’s been a big leap in usage compared to five years ago. In February 2019, Linux was reportedly on 1.58 percent of desktops globally.

  • ARk@lemm.eeEnglish
    617·
    4 months ago

    why is this such a big deal when it’s still such a small number? I get that it’s “increasing” but still

    • kescusay@lemmy.worldEnglish
      281·
      4 months ago

      Because it means Linux is gaining enough credibility as a desktop operating system for PC and parts manufacturers to work harder to ensure compatibility.

      Everyone seems to want off the Microsoft upgrade train. Consumers don’t want to constantly fear that the OS will stop getting security updates because Microsoft doesn’t want to make them anymore. Manufacturers of PCs don’t want to pay the Microsoft tax. Parts manufacturers know it’s actually easier to write drivers for Linux than it is for Windows.

      But until Linux shows signs of being a credible and attractive alternative, it’s not going to break Microsoft’s stranglehold on all three.

    • orangeboats@lemmy.worldEnglish
      10·
      4 months ago

      It’s just a notable milestone. For as long as I can remember Linux marketshare never went above the 3.something% mark.

    • uis@lemm.eeEnglish
      7·
      4 months ago

      It’s not that small. One more percent and Linux Party gets into federal parlament.

      • TheGrandNagus@lemmy.worldEnglish
        31·
        4 months ago

        Add in ChromeOS, which is essentially Linux with a proprietary Desktop Environment installed and it’s already there.