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Update: This data has not yet actually been verified by Netmarketshare. When I first took the shot, it wasn't noted, but it's been pointed out in our comments they do now have a link at the top to say so. I fully expect this to be revised down to the current level.

Take this with a rather large bag of suspicion! Netmarketshare is reporting that Linux had 6.91% market share, which is higher than Mac for the first time.

Not only that, but it seems even FreeBSD actually registered on it this time too.

Honestly, it seems far too good to be true. Hold the partying and champagne popping for now. Other sites like StatCounter separate Chrome OS (which uses the Linux kernel), but I believe Netmarketshare does not. StatCounter also shows Linux overall at far less than what Netmarketshare shows.

With that said, both websites have reported Linux growth over the past year. It may not be as large as we want it to be, but it seems multiple sites statistics do report Linux market share is growing and that's the important thing here.

What do you think? A nonsense blip, or Linux really making gains?

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Tags: Misc
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TheSHEEEP Oct 2, 2017
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Meanwhile, on Steam Linux continues its journey down…
That survey is pretty bonkers, though. I was surveyed twice in my entire Steam life, each time I was on Windows :/
Besides, it shows Windows 10 at -5% and Windows 7 at +5% for Sept. 2017.
That's just nuts, something can't be quite right there ;)
rkfg Oct 2, 2017
Could it be that the hw survey only includes you if you actually bought something this month? I suspect it could be true because the devs always say their sales are close to what the survey shows. And if you use Linux but didn't buy anything last month you're not interesting to the audience the survey is intended for... Just my guess of course.

I rarely buy more than one game a month these days because that's a plenty of games available and I haven't yet played some interesting titles I already have. At the Steam for Linux launch there were few and people were buying everything they saw, each and every new game + there was a number of huge AAA title releases quite often. Hence 1%+ share.
Alm888 Oct 2, 2017
Besides, it shows Windows 10 at -5% and Windows 7 at +5% for Sept. 2017.
That's just nuts, something can't be quite right there ;)
Yeah! Damn hipsters! :D
baccilus Oct 2, 2017
Here's a worthwhile mental check (though admittedly anecdotal). Go to a local coffee shop. Look around. How many people are on Windows? How many on OSX or iOS? How many on Linux? Now, ChromeOS might bump it up a bit if it's counted as a Linux distro, but if Linux has surpassed OSX, the evidence would be all around us.

In a coffee shop, I would use a laptop with the best battery life. If I had a Mac, a Linux and a Windows laptop, I would probably carry the Mac.
Kuduzkehpan Oct 2, 2017
. In a coffee shop, I would use a laptop with the best battery life. If I had a Mac, a Linux and a Windows laptop, I would probably carry the Mac.
if you are smart that way and curious about security in a public network where sniffers may be active you would go with Linux.
STiAT Oct 2, 2017
Enjoy the picture. That will have to be reviewed and will change. The percentages off for the windows versions is as well way off, and I don't see 5 % of Win10 users migrating back to Win7. There wasn't any real issue with Win10 the past month which could have triggered that.

I'm guessing they fucked up either their data or report and have to review it now.
Power-Metal-Games Oct 2, 2017
It's funny how people say that in few mouths Google can sell more laptops that there are Linux users in the world :D
Areso Oct 2, 2017
Guys (and girls), don't drink too much!
They just count my spider, that's it...
Grazen Oct 2, 2017
Here's a worthwhile mental check (though admittedly anecdotal). Go to a local coffee shop. Look around. How many people are on Windows? How many on OSX or iOS? How many on Linux? Now, ChromeOS might bump it up a bit if it's counted as a Linux distro, but if Linux has surpassed OSX, the evidence would be all around us.

I would think that most of the laptops seen in coffee shops are company issued (=Mac/Windows). I find it hard to imagine that someone would lug around home laptops in public places when more portable options for casual use exist. Then again my imagination can be very limited.

I was in a coffee shop yesterday with my son (we have a weekend homework club) and I'd say 90% were OSX, 9.999% Windows me on my Ubuntu Budgie and my son on his Samsung Plus Chromebook.
Areso Oct 2, 2017
china has been wanting to get rid of Microsoft for a number of years now, but of course their are pirated copies of windows going around everywhere there. but now with ChromeOS, Android and various distributions of Linux like Kylin and Deepin (and the untold variations within China, that we don't see open sourced). it's no surprise to see something start to happen with the marketshare.
But it's always good to see things in a positive direction. :)
All of these were there for years! Not for a few months. They all existent years ago.


Last edited by Areso on 2 October 2017 at 2:09 pm UTC
Beamboom Oct 2, 2017
Here is your reality check: your local community probably represent less than 0.000001% of the overall world population, the US is one of the ~250 countries on the planet, your local coffee shop is irrevelant.

I'm not even in the US. But ok, let's all do a collaboration. let's all head over to our school camp, coffe shops, cantinas, LAN parties, computer shops, service centers, IT departments and main streets across our entire world, and return a day later and report our sightings.

I mean, seriously, what's your point? That there is a huge amount of Linux desktop users in this world that just nobody sees ever? :D

The reality check is to realize that a number that nobody can see or nobody can report, very likely are not true. And yes, doing a qualitative research like this is totally legit and gives us a hint of where reality lies. Primarily in your community, yes, but just face it: It's not different elsewhere.
Alm888 Oct 2, 2017
let's all head over to our school camp, coffe shops, cantinas, LAN parties, computer shops, service centers, IT departments and main streets across our entire world, and return a day later and report our sightings.
Hey!
Just a quick reality check: I recently saw 1 (one) GNU/Linux machine (not ChromeOS or something of the kind) and 1 (one) "Windows XP" machine at my hospital! This makes the world half GNU/Linux and half "Windows XP" filled! :P
Thunder_Tw Oct 2, 2017
Ever since Windows 10 came along I've moved to Linux (Ubuntu-mate) and i'm still glad i moved. In the meantime I've managed to convinced 2 more to make the step to Linux. And both are more happy with it than they where while using Windows.

For computer-noobs and gamers Windows is ok, until it automatically updates and the computer gets unresponsive for a while. Or it asks for a restart that takes more than 10 minutes. No "cancel" button or "fuck this update, shutdown!" is damn irritating if you need to use that computer ASAP. Frustrations create willpower to change.
If all one does is surf the web and office-stuff. Nothing is holding him/her back to get to Linux but the unknown.

A lovely development is at the name Linux, since Android we now have SteamOS and ChromeOS. The name is hitting the news. The more it's name is passed around the more people will look at it and ask "Why, what is Linux?" a slippery slope. Linux is getting known by the masses, used, loved, trusted.

Then there's the rising global distrust. Nations are organizing cyber-police (NSA). Creating worms, viruses and shit to spy each other. Guess how safe Windows and Mac are at that threat compared to Linux.

I'd say 4.8% is still a bit high, too fast too sudden. But wonderful if it's true. Linux is a decent alternative to both Mac and Windows if one takes the step/time to look at it. Witch just happens faster as Windows and Mac are getting "old", chunky (can't change a lot there, layout wise) and over-automated imho.
Beamboom Oct 2, 2017
Just a quick reality check: I recently saw 1 (one) GNU/Linux machine (not ChromeOS or something of the kind) and 1 (one) "Windows XP" machine at my hospital! This makes the world half GNU/Linux and half "Windows XP" filled! :P

This is just stupid.
But tell me, how do you think the picture is, and what do you base it on?
When you only see Macs and Windows around, how do you explain it. How's your take on reality?
Alm888 Oct 2, 2017
This is just stupid.
This is not stupid! This is scientific method of observation and science can not be stupid. period! :D
But tell me, how do you think the picture is, and what do you base it on?
When you only see Macs and Windows around, how do you explain it. How's your take on reality?
Hate to disappoint you, but I am not omniscient. I can not check every single PC in the world (let alone, at once). So, I'm relying on statistics, just as everyone else.

Here is what I saw:
  • Humble Bundles showed there are (5 … 15%) Linux user base (for "indie" games, at least);

  • Developers of the "Defender's Quest" told us there are 16% of Linux sales on Steam;

  • StatCounter gives us (1.44 … 1.79%) range;

  • W3Counter (very West-Europe oriented site gives 7341 "Linux+Ububtu+Fedora" visits out of 63327, which makes 11,6% (and only 5 "ChromeOS" visits, sorry, "ChromeOS inflates Linux share" theory believers, not your day );

  • Steam Hardware Survey… No, just… no.


Every one is free to think what she/he wants.
Areso Oct 2, 2017
Well, it's US market where Chromebooks makes significant share. Because there they're cheap, durable, has good battery time. Moreover, if any school needs laptops, Google can buy Chromebooks for this school (make a donation here). If a teacher needs laptop, Google also can buy a Chromebook for the teacher. If you have a old rusty laptop home, you can trade-in it to Chromebook and get as much as $100 discount (from $200 price!). If you're student, you're eligible to get a serious discount (up to $100 from regular price). Moreover, if you're from poor family Google can buy it to you!
Well, I think my point is clear.
To all above, I should say, it's comes with software, which makes management of classroom of Chromebooks an easy task. And you don't need to buy anything!
For another example, in US a lot of people buys Chromebooks to grandparents. Because there are simple and even old persons could manage it. Windows can't do it. Macbooks could do it, but they're too costly. Okay, I could install Linux to my mom's PC and install all necessary stuff, and it's even will work. But could do it average person non-tech savvy person? Nope.
gojul Oct 2, 2017
But at the same time Steam figures are dropping again :'(
renegat0x0 Oct 2, 2017
It seems that nobody came up with the rationale for the steam survey. It seems that linux os'es are on the rise. It is no wonder. As an OS Linux is just better. However it is still not a gaming OS. For gaming people still dual boot. For gaming graphic drivers still suck.
Linux is also present in iot devices... more and more devices are just linux devices, just as the atari new thing.
dorron Oct 2, 2017
How reliable is a source that's changing numbers every day? I've seen them change the ratio at least 3 or 4 times in the last couple of days...
Beren Oct 2, 2017
Netmarketshare removed their September figures altogether.
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