The world of operating systems is diverse and complex, and among its many inhabitants, Linux holds a unique position. As open-source software, Linux has been a game-changer, playing a pivotal role across various spheres, from personal computing to powering servers and supercomputers worldwide.
But exactly what percentage of people use Linux? It’s a surprisingly tricky question to answer, given Linux’s widespread deployment and the open-source nature of its distributions.
Let’s try to get an answer to that, along with getting a bit of familiarity with the Linux OS.
What is Linux?
Linux, an operating system that is both free and open-source, takes inspiration from the Unix OS. It was first conceptualized and developed by Linus Torvalds in 1991. It is highly respected for its remarkable flexibility and customizability. It comprises the Linux kernel, which is the operating system’s core that interfaces with the computer’s hardware, and various software packages that make up the rest of the operating system.
An array of Linux distributions, or “distros”, such as Ubuntu, Fedora, and Debian, offers unique blends of these software packages tailored to meet a variety of use cases.
What makes Linux so popular?
What makes Linux exceedingly popular is its robustness, security, and adaptability. It is used in numerous environments, from personal desktops, servers, and supercomputers to embedded systems like routers, smartphones, and IoT devices.
Its open-source nature encourages a community-driven approach, fostering innovation and rapid problem-solving. Additionally, Linux’s efficient and reliable system performance, coupled with its compatibility with many hardware platforms and a strong command-line interface, further enhances its appeal among users across the globe.
Pros
- Open-Source
- Highly Secure
- Highly Customizable
- Efficient Performance
- Diverse Distros
Cons
- Software compatibility issues
- Limited Gaming
How Many People Use Linux Today?
Linux isn’t as well-known as some other operating systems, but it’s still used by a lot of people and companies. Let’s look at some numbers.
Personal Use of Linux
It’s tricky to say exactly how many people use Linux on their personal computers, but we think it’s around 2%. That might not sound like a lot, but it’s millions of people!
Why do these people use Linux? Since Linux is free, there is no need to pay anything in order to utilize it. Plus, you can change it to fit what you need, and it doesn’t use up a lot of computer power.
Business Use of Linux
When we look at companies, a lot more of them use Linux. We think about 38-40% of websites are run on Linux servers. That’s a lot!
Companies like Linux because it’s reliable and gives them a lot of control. It’s also much cheaper than other options.
Conclusion
Linux might not be the most popular choice for personal computers, but it’s a big deal in the wider world of tech. It’s used by millions of people and companies and plays a big part in running the Internet and supercomputers. The community of Linux users and developers, who believe in openness and collaboration, keep improving this great system for everyone’s benefit.
