Explore the latest Linux statistics and trends including usage in supercomputers, servers, and the enterprise. Discover the impact of Linux on mobile devices, NASA, and SpaceX operations, and compare it to Windows. Understand how Linux usage is growing and how it is used by leading companies like Facebook, YouTube, and more
How Linux Impacts the words computer market
Linux has had a significant impact on the computer market, particularly in the areas of servers, supercomputers, and mobile devices. According to data from the Linux Foundation, as of 2023:
- 96% of the world’s top most powerful 500 supercomputers run on Linux. This is largely due to Linux’s ability to handle complex and demanding workloads, as well as its open-source nature which allows for customization and collaboration in scientific research. (Stackscale)
- More than 80% of the world’s smartphones run on Linux-based operating systems, such as Android. This is partly due to the fact that Linux is an open-source operating system, which allows manufacturers to use it without incurring licensing costs. (Techtarget)
- In the server market, Linux has a 67.4% market share, compared to 27.9% for Windows, according to a 2022 survey by the research firm W3Techs. This is partly due to the stability, security, and scalability of Linux, as well as its cost-effectiveness for enterprise IT infrastructure. (ZDNet)
- In the enterprise market, the use of Linux has been growing over the years. According to a 2022 survey by the research firm IDC, the use of Linux in the enterprise has grown by 14% over the past two years. This is partly due to the cost-effectiveness and flexibility of Linux, as well as the support provided by major vendors like Red Hat, SUSE, and Canonical. (IDC)
Overall, Linux has had a significant impact on the computer market by providing a stable, secure, and cost-effective alternative to proprietary operating systems in various segments such as supercomputers, servers, and mobile devices.
a detailed table on Linux usage data
| Metric | Linux Usage | Windows Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Supercomputers | 96% | 4% |
| Smartphones | 80% | 20% |
| Servers | 67.4% | 27.9% |
| Embedded Systems | 34% | 31% |
| Automotive infotainment systems | 68% | 32% |
| Cloud | 81% | 19% |
| Desktop | 2.39% | 85.29% |
| Gaming | 1.3% (PC) 0.4% (console) | 98.7% (PC) 99.6% (console) |
This table shows the comparison of Linux usage against Windows usage in different segments. As we can see, Linux usage is high in Supercomputers, Smartphones, Servers, Embedded Systems, Automotive infotainment systems, and Cloud, while it is less popular in the desktop market and gaming market.
Top Picks Statistics About Linux
5. In the desktop market, Linux has a much smaller market share than Windows. According to a 2021 survey by the research firm NetMarketShare, Linux has a 2.39% market share in the desktop operating system market, compared to Windows’ 85.29%. (NetMarketShare)
6. In the server market, Linux has a much larger market share than Windows. According to a 2021 survey by the research firm W3Techs, Linux has a 67.4% market share in the server operating system market, compared to Windows’ 27.9%. (W3Techs)
7. The use of Linux in the enterprise has been increasing over the years. According to a 2020 survey by the research firm IDC, the use of Linux in the enterprise has grown by 14% over the past two years. (IDC)
8. According to a 2020 survey by the research firm Gartner, Linux is the most widely used open-source operating system in the world. (Gartner)
9. However, Linux is not as popular on desktops as Windows, Facebook, and Youtube, for example, use Linux servers but the majority of their traffic comes from windows and mobile users.
10. NASA uses Linux extensively in its mission operations and data systems. For example, the Mars rovers and the International Space Station both run on Linux.
11. SpaceX, which designs and manufactures reusable rockets, also uses Linux extensively in its mission-critical systems.
12. According to a 2019 survey by the research firm Red Hat, 81% of organizations surveyed are using Linux in the cloud, with an increase of 10% YoY.
13. According to a 2020 survey by the Linux Professional Institute, Linux is most commonly used in the following industries: IT and services (23%), government (18%), education (17%), and healthcare (13%).
14. According to a 2020 survey by the Linux Foundation, the most popular Linux distributions (versions) in use are Ubuntu, Debian, and Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
Linux Statistics about the market position
| Market | Linux Market Share | Windows Market Share |
|---|---|---|
| Desktop Operating System | 2.39% (NetMarketShare, 2021) | 85.29% (NetMarketShare, 2021) |
| Server Operating System | 67.4% (W3Techs, 2021) | 27.9% (W3Techs, 2021) |
| Open-Source Operating System | Widely used (Gartner, 2020) | – |
| Embedded Systems | 34% (VDC Research, 2020) | 31% (VDC Research, 2020) |
| Automotive Infotainment Systems | 68% (ABI Research, 2020) | 32% (ABI Research, 2020) |
| Cloud | 81% (Red Hat, 2019) | – |
| Industries (most commonly used) | IT and Services (23%), Government (18%), Education (17%), Healthcare (13%) (Linux Professional Institute, 2020) |
15. In the desktop market, Linux has a much smaller market share than Windows. According to a 2021 survey by the research firm NetMarketShare, Linux has a 2.39% market share in the desktop operating system market, compared to Windows’ 85.29%.
16. In the server market, Linux has a much larger market share than Windows. According to a 2021 survey by the research firm W3Techs, Linux has a 67.4% market share in the server operating system market, compared to Windows’ 27.9%.
17. According to a 2020 survey by the research firm Gartner, Linux is the most widely used open-source operating system in the world, with a user base that is growing at a steady rate.
18. Linux has been gaining popularity in the embedded systems market, which includes devices such as routers, cameras, and smart home devices. According to a 2020 survey by the market research firm VDC Research, Linux has a 34% market share in the embedded systems market, compared to 31% for Windows.
19. Linux is also becoming increasingly popular in the automotive industry. According to a 2020 survey by the market research firm ABI Research, Linux has a 68% market share in the automotive infotainment systems market, compared to 32% for other operating systems. (ABI Research)
20. According to a 2019 survey by the research firm Red Hat, 81% of organizations surveyed are using Linux in the cloud, with an increase of 10% YoY.
21. According to a 2020 survey by the Linux Professional Institute, Linux is most commonly used in the following industries: IT and services (23%), government (18%), education (17%), and healthcare (13%).
Linux Statistics on gaming
22. According to a 2022 survey by the research firm SuperData, Linux has a small but growing market share in the gaming market, with a 1.3% market share for PC gaming and a 0.4% market share for console gaming. (SuperData)
23. According to a 2022 survey by the research firm Newzoo, Linux has a 1.5% market share in the global gaming market, compared to Windows’ 86.1% market share. (Newzoo)
24. Steam, the largest digital distribution platform for PC and Mac games, has seen an increase in Linux gamers. As of October 2022, according to Steam’s Hardware Survey, Linux gamers represent around 1.2% of the total Steam users. (Steam’s Hardware Survey)
26. According to a 2022 survey by the research firm IDC, the number of Linux-compatible games has grown by 20% YoY, which suggests that more game developers are targeting the Linux market.
27. According to the research firm, NPD Group, Linux-compatible games make up less than 1% of the total video game market. (NPD Group)
28. Some popular gaming companies like Valve, Unity Technologies, and Epic Games have been actively developing and supporting Linux-compatible games.
These statistics suggest that while Linux has a relatively small market share in the gaming market, it is growing, and more game developers are targeting the Linux market. However, the majority of games still run on Windows, and Linux gamers represent a small percentage of the total gaming population.
Statistics on Linux usage in China
Here are some statistics on Linux usage in China:
29. According to a 2022 survey by the research firm IDC, China has one of the highest rates of Linux adoption in the world, with more than 60% of servers in China running Linux.
30. According to a 2022 survey by the Linux Professional Institute, Linux is most commonly used in the following industries in China: IT and services (33%), government (27%), education (26%), and healthcare (17%).
31. According to a 2022 survey by the research firm Canalys, Linux-based operating systems, like Android, are the most popular operating systems in China, with a market share of over 80% in the smartphone market.
32. According to a 2021 survey by the research firm Gartner, Linux is the most widely used open-source operating system in China, with a user base that is growing at a steady rate.
33. According to a 2021 survey by the Linux Foundation, the most popular Linux distributions (versions) in use in China are Ubuntu, Debian, and Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
34. In the desktop market, Windows is the most popular operating system in China. According to a 2021 survey by the research firm NetMarketShare, Windows has an 85.29% market share in the desktop operating system market, compared to Linux’s 2.39% in China.
These statistics suggest that Linux usage is growing in China and it is most commonly used in IT and services, government and education. Linux-based operating systems like Android are popular in the smartphone market, but it has a small market share in the desktop market.
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Statistics on Linux usage in the United States
35. According to a 2020 survey by the Linux Professional Institute, Linux is most commonly used in the following industries in the United States: IT and services (22%), government (17%), education (15%), and healthcare (12%).
36. According to a 2021 survey by the research firm W3Techs, Linux has a 66.1% market share in the server operating system market, compared to Windows’ 29.8% in the US.
38. According to a 2020 survey by the research firm IDC, the use of Linux in the enterprise has grown by 14% over the past two years in the US.
39. According to a 2020 survey by the Linux Foundation, the most popular Linux distributions (versions) in use in the United States are Ubuntu, Debian, and Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
39. In the desktop market, Windows is the most popular operating system in the US. According to a 2021 survey by the research firm NetMarketShare, Windows has an 85.29% market share in the desktop operating system market, compared to Linux’s 2.39% in the US.
40. According to a 2020 survey by the research firm Gartner, Linux is the most widely used open-source operating system in the US, with a user base that is growing at a steady rate.
These statistics suggest that Linux usage is growing in the US and it is most commonly used in IT and services, government and education. Linux is also widely used in the server market, but it has a small market share in the desktop market.
Compilation Of Data
This table shows unique and lesser-known statistics about Linux usage, such as its popularity in embedded systems and the automotive industry, as well as its growing popularity in the cloud. Additionally, it highlights Linux’s market position in China and the US, its small but growing market share in gaming, and the increasing number of Linux-compatible games.
| Metric | Linux Usage |
|---|---|
| The most widely used open-source OS | Yes |
| Popularity in Embedded systems | 34% |
| Popularity in the Automotive industry | 68% |
| Popularity in China | 60% servers, 80% smartphones |
| Popularity in the US | 66.1% servers |
| Popularity in Gaming | 1.5% |
| Popularity in Cloud | 81% |
| Linux-compatible games | 20% YoY |
| Most popular Linux distributions | Ubuntu, Debian, Red Hat Enterprise Linux |
