We did it folks!

Does this have anything to do with the prevalence of the Steam Deck?

l'm honestly not sure but probably. l'm guessing proton played a part too.
- Steam Deck honestly convinced me to move my desktop over to Linux.
  I'm still dual-booting, but I only go into Windows if something struggles too much over Proton (looking at you Satisfactory). I've been daily driving KDE Neon for about 2 months without issues.
  Plasma is a great desktop environment, too. Usually the desktop environments were what chased me away - GNOME was slow sometimes and always felt... off, Cinnamon doesn't like multiple desktops despite claiming to, with the maintainers refusing to even acknowledge the problems, XFE is... XFE, and historically Plasma was always super crashy and bloated.
  Valve's been funding the KDE guys to make Plasma better and it really shows. Plasma feels like a modern desktop that can compete with Windows directly - and honestly beats Windows with how bad Windows 11 has become. (Last time I was in Windows it took the Windows 11 Start Menu a full 20 seconds to open - but don't worry, it had time to serve me an ad for Xbox Game Pass.)
- Everything adds a little. Another thing happening are the newer Windows versions requiring stupidly high minimum requirements, pushing people with older machines into alternatives.
- Proton is wine+dxvk packaged by Valve (pkus a few other libs). The work the wine teams did in thr last decades has been heroic.
- I wouldn't be able to live in gnu/linux full time without wine and proton. It just wouldn't happen since gaming is a huge part of what I do on my computer.
I think it's a combination of the steam deck, people learning that Linux isn't really that hard, and Microsoft breaking there reputation by spitting out windows 11 when they promised that windows 10 would be the last, and windows 11 having higher requirements so people with older computers is now looking at alternatives and the people who haven't switched to 11 being stressed about windows 12 comming, and then therefore searching for alternatives

At this rate, Linux domination will be unavoidable by checks calculations 2993!

And you know what? this might actually be true. Where do we buy shares ?
There's definitely a long way to go, but as more people start using Linux adoption is likely to accelerate. You're more likely to switch if you know someone personally who already uses it and can help you get over the initial hurdles, and the more people who use it the more attention it'll get from hardware and software vendors, making them more likely to support Linux directly instead of so much relying on compatibility layers and reverse-engineered drivers.
2193 factorial, yeah maybe
Growth follows an S shaped curve, so (should) be sooner
- That's true. I wonder what the threshold rate of adoption is for the 'S' to start

Still forever hopeful for the day that making PC games native for Linux is a norm.

I agree! And we can run games with anticheating software.
- Totally agree. Squad is one of the few few reasons I have a windows install.
That'll happen when glibc stops breaking everything with each new update, that is, never.
- Newer linux games on steam are compiled to run in containers in the same way as a flatpak. They could break it a security patch would break some vague hack in de game, but these should be minimal. These containers are only released ever other year and keep being supported so there isn't really any serious compatible problem there. The first Linux games on steam like team fortress 2 ran partially on the system libraries and that caused lots of problems, especially when these get older.
  With the snipperred Linux desktop, containers are the only viable solution.

The SteamDeck has been a huge gamechanger (pun intended!). All video games work now.

what is the website again that we can check which games are supported in Linux and which aren't?
it's literally the only thing holding me back from switching but I need to triple check to make sure all good... don't have any extra devices I can duel boot from ATM so it would be a full 100% switch
- There is protondb and winehq
- ProtonDb and lutris

Thus marking the 30th year of the linux desktop.

I think mostly thanks to Steam Deck. I have one, and it is probably one of the best gaming device I ever bought.

I think it's Proton plus how un-userfriendly Windows has become, I know atleast 2 people who switched on their desktop because they could avoid Windows 11 while still playing their steam library, And handful a more who are looking into doing the same when Win10 goes EOL.
- For everyday browser workflows I'm not sure why anyone would use anything else. Microsoft literally only keeps windows relevant by making sure pptx will never be standards compliant. Other than gaming, that's literally the only thing forcing me to use windows or macOS these days. Company requirements to have native PowerPoint.
- Only thing preventing me from switching is the fact games with anti-cheat are pretty much fucked on Linux unfortunately
This only counts web users, so probably actually underrepresented deck users (cause who's browsing the web on their deck)
Also doesn't count Firefox users
- Isn't that the main browser for like, most Linux users?

For Desktops. Nice. I'd like to see numbers that include servers, steam decks, androids, etc..

I bet Adobe will target linux in the next 30 years.

3% of all computers is pretty damn significant.

You mean desktop computers.
- Ah gotcha, but still. Damn.
Of all computers Linux as kernel is probably well above 90%. Here they are talking about desktop OS, that is a small part of all computers
Just a technicality, but Linux makes out 3% of the Desktop OS market share. The percentage is rather different when looking at "all computers".
Edit: didn't see the other comments, sorry for spamming.
- Oh yeah, Linux is extremely popular as a server OS. I'd be surprised if ≥60% of all computers weren't running some offshoot of Linux.

30 years. Wow! I have installed popOS on all my family's laptop. They only use a browser and word doc. The best part is if by accident they download a malware , it never runs on Linux lol.

- Thats exactly it.

Give it more time. As Microsoft cuts support for perfectly good working hardware, people will learn about this magical free and open source software operating system of many varieties they can choose from, and with a little nudge and a beginner friendly variant (linux mint, ubuntu), they too will learn to love linux.

Well up until they try to run Software that isnt supported on Linux. Dont get me wrong, i like Linux (have it on my laptop that i only use occasionally) and i really want to switch completely. But i have some Software that i need and it just doesnt run on Linux or needs huge amounts of workarounds or tweakings that can break any time. So Every time i want to switch i end up on Windows again. And i know, this isnt entirely Linux Fault but the companies who are unwilling to make their Software compatible.
- Ya software and hardware support like drivers has historically been pretty bad and I still rely on non Linux computer for a few programs.
  More and more I'm just opting for the Foss alternative if available and suitable.
- My hope is that as the Linux numbers creep up the companies support of Linux will also go up. Not sure where that breakpoint may be though.

imdoingmypart.gif

I use arch btw.

I'd just like to interject for a moment. What you're referring to as Linux, is in fact, GNU/Linux, or as I've recently taken to calling it, GNU plus Linux. Linux is not an operating system unto itself, but rather another free component of a fully functioning GNU system made useful by the GNU corelibs, shell utilities and vital system components comprising a full OS as defined by POSIX.

Many computer users run a modified version of the GNU system every day, without realizing it. Through a peculiar turn of events, the version of GNU which is widely used today is often called "Linux", and many of its users are not aware that it is basically the GNU system, developed by the GNU Project.

There really is a Linux, and these people are using it, but it is just a part of the system they use. Linux is the kernel: the program in the system that allocates the machine's resources to the other programs that you run. The kernel is an essential part of an operating system, but useless by itself; it can only function in the context of a complete operating system. Linux is normally used in combination with the GNU operating system: the whole system is basically GNU with Linux added, or GNU/Linux. All the so-called "Linux" distributions are really distributions of GNU/Linux.

Thank you Richard, we're aware.
- I had no fucking idea, on the other hand.
I've seen this kind of post rehashed many times in this exact kind of thread 😂

Do desktops really matter in 2023? What fraction of computers are desktops now? Most computers are phones and servers last time I checked. As we all know Linux dominates there.

I have one phone... I've got three desktops at home, one laptops plus two steamdecks, two servers and one ipad we never use.
At work we have 15 desktops plus 2 servers and 4 laptops.
I dont know how people live with just a phone as a "computer". I couldnt even live with just a laptop... Like what are you people doing just browsing tiktok and youtube?
- Yel that's exactly what they do. I've asked around, and at a guess, half the people I know only have a phone. Whole families just using a phone each to look at YouTube and tiktok, do banking talk to friends on WhatsApp, Snapchat, Facebook. They watch tv, play sport, go out socialising, shopping, etc. They honestly have no use for a PC at all
  A huge percentage of people don't use a computer at work either.
  Its easy to get lost in tech, but in reality the vast majority of people in this world just have no use for desktops or laptops.
- I don't imagine a lot of people bar PC gamers do much more than watch media or consume social media on their devices, so a phone fits the bill.
- I have a desktop and 4 laptops, zero tablets, and one phone. Of course they all boot linux by default. But I know I'm an outlier. I hang out with average families. They have maybe one desktop, two to three laptops (of which about half are school chromebooks), a Playstation/Switch/XBox, and one phone per person. Plus the computers they use most are not in their house they are servers in data centers. The machines they possess are really just interfaces to the computers they actually rely on.
- Well, technically Instagram as well.
  Anyway, I can't stand writing a long email on my phone, I don't what kind of "computer tasks" people are carrying out on them
If you work in ML or scientific computing then it has been the year of the Linux desktop for about a decade now.
- Very true. A lot of the SciComp and ML folks I know use a McBook Air as the keyboard/mouse for their real machine which sits under their desk and eats 1200W while it works.
There's a good deal more laptops than desktops. They're included. And since a good amount of the traffic is from no doubt steam deck, I guess that covers mobile as well (not really, but still, better than nothing)
- Don't forget Android

Does anyone think this number can be more than what's being reported? If I am not wrong, some Linux users are very privacy concerned and probably might not like to scream to the world that they are using Linux, it can't be 1% or anything like that, but I reckon it's greater than 0.1% of desktop users

Meanwhile, the servers, containers, and phones are all running some flavor of *nix. But yeah, nice to have a little toehold in desktop-land, I guess.

I don't think people know how big of a feat this is. This list could be full of "gaming laptop grandmas" or casual macbook users who just use it for word/excel.

No shame in either of that, the first one is quite cool but I think that 3% is a lot, especially by a metric that actively includes non tech savvy people

I wanted to read the article but Goddamn it!

https://linuxiac.com/linux-hits-3-percent-market-share/

How dare you use a VPN!
- Blocked for me without a vpn as well, not sure what's going on.
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. Linux Operating System Achieved a 3% Desktop Market Share
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 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 Growing Popularity among Desktop Users Linux with GNOME Desktop. 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. Free, Lightweight & Customizable
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. Valuing User Privacy
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 is a Developer’s Dream Come True
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. Bottom Line
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.

I think that Linux in the future is going to take off like a rocket, when Windows carries out its plans to move to an Online OS by monthly subscription, to get full control over the user and his PC. This is sure to make any user with more than half a brain to switch.

I don't think so. People today sadly prioritize convenience over privacy or control.

For me 2016 was year of linux desktop since than i started using linux. And if i see linux in the wild it is very often Ubuntu 16.04 with that beautifull Unity DE.

So guys we did it!

Windows 10 is just that shitty

That's why I use Windows 11.
- Wait, no, go back
- Windows 11 got worse than Windows 10 in my opinion. But I somehow prefer to use Windows 11 Ameliorated (Enshitificated from Microsoft services) for VR gaming only. Rest is just Arch Lunix

The Year of the Linux Desktop is now 🐧

It will happen sooner or later

Is Android included?

most likely no
- Makes sense
No. Its using https://gs.statcounter.com/os-market-share/ as the source, where the 3 percent is from the desktop category.
Overall android has the biggest market share at 40% with windows as a runnerup at 28%.
- What's with the weird dip in windows usage and uptick in "unknown" usage?
- Looking at that sudden increase in OS X usage, I assume its related to the M1 chip? Although I still wouldn't touch apple with a 6foot pole. People love to shit on Microsoft, at least they tend to treat their staff well. Everyone seems to have forgotten that Apple fitted nets at their Foxconn factory.
  I can als troubleshoot any OS except stuff made by the fruit business as everything is hidden behind secret button combinations and lock outs.
- Yeah I should have known that android has a way higher percentage

I feel bad, I'm using wsl.

It's been a bit of a struggle, but I switched my media server over in December and I will never go back to Windows.

LMAO! I was thinking of this exact idea when I saw that.

I laughed way too loud.

@SchrodingersPat yay

I'm using macOS on an M1Pro MacBook Pro as a middle way between Windows and Linux. I'm also over 30 and I can't stay I don't like a profesional looking nice design and great materials/build quality. I had a really bad experience when I bought a new Lenovo gaming laptop 2 years ago with Ubuntu Linux. The trackpad and graphics card were not working due to driver issues. I think I also had to compile a kernel module...Full Disk Encryption I feel is also finicky. I always forget ...is it LUKS on LVM or the other way around. btrfs was still not straightened out.

@SchrodingersPat we will finally show up in pie charts lets go

With for it to go up even faster