this post was submitted on 18 Jul 2025
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Linux

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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Clickbaity title on the original article, but I think this is the most important point to consider from it:

After getting to 1% in approximately 2011, it took about a decade to double that to 2%. The jump from 2% to 3% took just over two years, and 3% to 4% took less than a year.

Get the picture? The Linux desktop is growing, and it's growing fast.

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[–] mukt@lemmy.ml 5 points 6 days ago (1 children)

The key point is that Europe's governments are ditching MS one by one. One of the state governments of India, that of Kerala, is also fostering a local chapter for open source and Linux.

[–] chiliedogg@lemmy.world 1 points 6 days ago (1 children)

That's a thing, but the biggest thing is that PCs as a class have been falling in numbers. As media consumption devices, they're outmoded. Phones, tablets, and cheap smart TVs have taken their place.

A typical family of 4 might have 1 laptop for when one is actually needed, whereas a few years ago every member of a suburban household would have their own computer.

So a larger part of the market is enthusiasts and techies, who are more likely to be using Linux, and gamers, who are using devices like the Steam Deck and Legion Go that run on SteamOS.

[–] LeFantome@programming.dev 1 points 6 days ago

That is an interesting take.

Surely the largest source of laptops is still for work though, many bought by the employer.

[–] dil@lemmy.zip 4 points 6 days ago

I think ppl get terminal anxiety but thats less and less of an issue, like you don't need to ever touch it because of stuff like octopi, software/discover/bazaar,etc. I remember just getting anxious thinking id forget a command I really need to remember and I wouldn't have internet axis and id be fked (not an issue lol)

[–] LeFantome@programming.dev 3 points 6 days ago

Things will really take-off if Linux hits 10%.

Actually, if it hits 10%, I think it could go all the way.

[–] SneakyWeasel@lemmy.ca 2 points 6 days ago

Been working with linux for the last 2 years. Had to use windows for my laptop for work but now its a full linux mint machine

[–] Ptsf@lemmy.world 183 points 1 week ago (9 children)

About to be 6.0000001% when my Kubuntu download finishes. I'm finally taking the dive boys, linux on main here we go.

[–] Scrollone@feddit.it 1 points 6 days ago

Congratulations, and welcome to the Linux world. You won't regret it. But also don't get scared if something doesn't work right away!

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[–] galoisghost@aussie.zone 121 points 1 week ago (16 children)

Damn Linux becoming mainstream. How will I feel like a superior tech elite now?

[–] grue@lemmy.world 3 points 6 days ago
[–] LeFantome@programming.dev 1 points 6 days ago

Lots of “elite” distros to use. No need to ditch Linux.

[–] eta@feddit.org 68 points 1 week ago (9 children)
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[–] sic_semper_tyrannis@lemmy.today 78 points 1 week ago (29 children)

SteamOS, Bazzite, and the Plasma DE I think are what's driving Linux to be more popular. They are all very streamlined experiences.

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[–] KingThrillgore@lemmy.ml 70 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) (1 children)

Chaotic Good Billionaire does a solid for Linux, Windows users devastated

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[–] lemmyman210@sh.itjust.works 60 points 1 week ago

As a daily Linux user, this makes me VERY VERY happy!!

[–] BrightCandle@lemmy.world 49 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) (9 children)

Most technology adoption follows an S curve, it can often take a long time to start to get going. Linux has gradually and steadily been improving especially for games and other desktop uses while at the same time Microsoft has been making Windows worse. I feel more that this is Microsoft's fault, they have abandoned the development of desktop Windows and the advancement of support for modern processor designs and gaming hardware. This has for the first time has let Linux catch up and in many cases exceed Windows capabilities on especially gaming which has always been a stubborn issue. Its still a problem especially in hardware support for VR and other peripherals but its the sort of thing that might sort itself out once the user base grows and companies start producing software for Linux instead.

It might not be enough, but the switching off Windows 10 is causing a change which Microsoft might really regret in a few years.

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[–] neon_nova@lemmy.dbzer0.com 48 points 1 week ago (4 children)

A long time ago when Linux was around 2-3% someone said that macOS adoption by software companies happened when it got to 5% of the marketshare.

If Linux continues down the path, we might see real support from some of the holdouts.

Before anyone says to use an alternative, sometimes there are not workable alternatives.

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