this post was submitted on 01 Aug 2026
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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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thats totally fair. im just noting what ive seen. feels like we're hitting a tipping point tho. i dont expect a majority any time soon, but i think we could be pushing 20/30℅ before too long
ive been using linux since the 90s, and its finally at the point where the only thing holding it back is specific proprietary software that people think they need, or maybe properly need. i struggled like hell trying to run software i needed in college around 2007 for my math classes.
if we get enough of a market share, there will be more motivation to port to linux. not that that means itll happen
I think people making I can make a better steam machine content might have also helped too.
Microsoft helped the most though with Windows 11 forcing tpm requirements, disliked UI changes, copilot, and increasing hardware costs.
Among non gamers I think the buy non US alternatives helped get those that would normally not give more niche tech stuff a try to also join in. Such as guides people would share with alternatives to emails, software, phones, messengers, and OS.
Many different motivating factors now from boycotts, global relations, affordability, and increased accessibility of Linux than in the past pushing some people that wouldn't have changed if life were not as eventful as it has been the last couple of years.