Linux continues rising above 3% desktop user share on Statcounter

Really, have you ever interacted with a Chromebook?

Yes, I have. I own a Pixelbook as a matter of fact. I got it because I wanted a machine for casual living room web browsing and D&D beyond. Tasks it handles flawlessly. Just like Chromebooks solved the problem of constant Windows problems for a number of non-technically inclined family members.

This distribution runs no software. It's the browser or nuthin', baby!

Except that hasn't ever really been true, even if it is the perception. At the minimum ChromeOS includes a number of other basic Linux utilities that enable its intended use like a ConnMan fork with a front end to handle networking, a front end for CUPS, and a front end for handling containers.

ChromeOS is also hardly the only Linux distribution with a minimal install focused on being easy to use in a particular role out of the box. If making a better "Windows" for power users to install was going to get us to mainstream use, it would have happened years ago. More limited environments that come pre-installed on hardware are the only proven pathway towards more mainstream acceptance.

If the only Linux distributions that count as Linux are distributions are full-featured environments targeted at enthusiasts and developers, then how is Linux ever supposed to grow?

We shouldn't be turning up our noses at a minimal Linux systems made to do one thing well.

OK, I have a problem with the way you are arguing. You are putting words in my mouth, arguing against positions I never took. You are moving goalposts. And when I make a point which refutes something you say, you sidestep and act like you never said it instead of either countering in any real sense or conceding the point. This is what ancient rhetoricians would call "False rhetoric" and somewhat less ancient ones would call "arguing in bad faith". You're perfectly polite while you're doing it, but one can't get anywhere that way.

So I don't feel like continuing this; it's pointless. Have a nice day.

Perhaps I misunderstand the thrust of your argument but, when you say things like:

The Chromebook says "This distribution runs no software. It's the browser or nuthin', baby!

That comes across as rather emphatic about excluding ChromeOS as a Linux distribution over the way it presents itself to normal users.

Or when you are being somewhat less over the top:

I mean, Linux has a sort of software ecosystem, from LibreOffice and the GIMP and stuff to on the gaming side things like Proton and Steam and a bunch of Linux native games. And, ChromeOS won't run any of that stuff.

Which is simply untrue. ChromeOS can run all of that, albeit with the easiest official way being within a Linux container. Which is simply the way it handles software, including Chrome itself in the newest version. Which at least to me, seems like excluding ChromeOS over a quibble about its software packaging system vs other more modern takes on a mainstream distribution. Essentially engaging in special pleading.

Really, have you ever interacted with a Chromebook?

Then you say this, which came off as decidedly uncivil. When I called you about it you accuse me of arguing in bad faith.

So what I have said is what I believe. ChromeOS is a Linux distribution, and it should not be excluded from Linux stats.

Only 3,18%? I'm disapointed!It would be better if the situation would be the other way around:Linux 96,82% and the rest 3,18%!!! That would be something But TUX countdown has started!!!Today Linux will conquer my neighbourhood, tomorrow the whole world!!!Well, One can hope that. But alas, it will take a lot of time when Linux market share rises over 10%. But Tux shall Fly and his wings are getting stronger day by day! Soon he will be traveling faster than light! And when you see a falling Tux star in the starry sky you know that it's the sign of doom for M$ and the time is near!!!Then in the next day you will see that the miracle has happened: Tux Will be in everyone's computers! Nice!!! Well one can dream about it....