this post was submitted on 01 Aug 2026
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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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https://gs.statcounter.com/os-market-share/desktop/north-america/#monthly-200901-202607

https://radar.cloudflare.com/explorer?dataSet=http&groupBy=os&dt=28d&loc=north-america&filters=deviceType%253DDESKTOP

Cloudflare stats also seem to support peaks of 15% usage but around 9-10% on average. In the United States alone, the market share for Linux is nearly 12% now for the whole month and Cloudflare stats suggest peaks of up to 25% (!) Linux desktop usage on certain days and times.

The trendline suggests this is just the start. When will companies realize they cannot ignore Linux anymore?

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[–] steelplatedmech@piefed.ca 8 points 1 day ago

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.