What If Linux Became More Popular Than Windows?

Summary

The video discusses the rising popularity of desktop Linux, which has tripled its market share in the last decade to 4.5%. As Linux grows, it faces challenges like software availability and hardware compatibility. The increase in users may lead to more support from companies like Adobe and Microsoft, and could improve Linux's presence in the enterprise market. However, popularity may also bring security issues and community toxicity. The host speculates on the future impact of Linux's growth on the software industry and the open-source community.

Takeaways

• 📈 Desktop Linux is experiencing a surge in popularity, with market share tripling in the last decade to about 4.5%.
• 🔽 As Microsoft Windows' market share declines, both Linux and Mac OS are gaining popularity.
• 💾 Linux's growth is significantly impacting the software and hardware industries, prompting potential changes in support and compatibility.
• 💼 The rise in Linux popularity could lead to increased software availability, as companies like Adobe and Microsoft may be incentivized to support Linux platforms.
• 🎮 Hardware compatibility, particularly for gaming peripherals, may improve as Linux gains more users, making it a more attractive platform for a wider audience.
• 🏢 Enterprise adoption of Linux could increase as its legitimacy as a desktop OS grows, potentially driven by established Linux distributions backed by major corporations.
• 🌐 The popularity of Linux may also contribute to a broader cultural shift towards open-source software and a focus on privacy and security.
• 🔒 With increased popularity, Linux may face new security challenges as it moves from being a niche, relatively secure OS to a more widely targeted platform.
• 🔀 The open-source nature of Linux could lead to further fragmentation as its user base grows, with more distributions and software forks emerging.
• ⚖️ As Linux gains prominence, there may be a need for a balance between the freedom offered by open-source software and the potential for increased community toxicity.

Q & A

What is the current market share of desktop Linux worldwide?

As of the recent stat counter numbers, desktop Linux has about a 4.5% market share worldwide.

How has the market share of Linux on the desktop changed in the last decade?

In the last decade, Linux has essentially tripled its market share, going from around 1.1% to 4.2%.

What is the trend for Microsoft Windows market share in the last 10 years?

The trend for Microsoft Windows market share has been a steady decline over the last 10 years.

What are the two main barriers to entry for people switching to Linux mentioned in the script?

The two main barriers to entry for people switching to Linux are software availability and hardware compatibility.

What is the stance of Adobe on supporting Linux?

Adobe has stated that they have absolutely no plans to ever support Linux.

How does the speaker believe the popularity of Linux could influence software companies like Adobe and Microsoft?

The speaker believes that if the number of Linux users grows large enough, it could become financially viable for companies like Adobe and Microsoft to port their software to Linux.

What is the speaker's view on Linux's hardware compatibility, especially with peripheral devices?

The speaker believes that Linux supports more hardware than any other operating system, but lacks support for many gaming-related peripheral devices, which typically require Windows-specific drivers.

How does the speaker think the popularity of Linux could impact the free software and open source movements?

The speaker thinks that as Linux gains popularity, more people will be exposed to the free software and open source movements, potentially leading to a cultural shift towards valuing privacy, security, and digital rights.

What potential negative impact does the speaker foresee with the growing popularity of Linux?

The speaker foresees potential negative impacts such as increased security exploits, more software fragmentation, and an increase in the toxic nature of the Linux community as it gains popularity.

What is the speaker's opinion on the diversity of Linux distributions and desktop environments?

The speaker views the diversity of Linux distributions and desktop environments as a natural result of the freedom offered by free and open source software, and does not see it as a negative aspect.

How does the speaker suggest that large corporations could influence the Linux community?

The speaker suggests that large corporations, which are more interested in stability and profitability than drama or politics, could help drive out toxic elements from the Linux community as they adopt and support Linux.