Linux Is Gaining Market Share

I found out from the Berkeley Linux Users Group that the Linux market share just passed 1%! This is good news both to Linux users and non-Linux users—including Linux haters.

Looking at the chart, it is noteworthy that aside from reaching 1% market share, it is increasing linearly—a positive slope!

Why is this exciting? First, one of the problems in Linux is less than ideal hardware support compared to Windows. The reason is that hardware vendors keep the interface of their devices secret thus making it difficult for third parties to develop device drivers for Linux.

Some hardware vendors do make their own device drivers for Linux in binary format but usually, these are buggy or not updated regularly. They do not have the motivation to do serious work on their Linux device drivers because only a small percentage of their customers use Linux.

But this development is going to change that. With more people using Linux, hardware vendors will start to take their Linux device drivers more seriously. Thus, Linux users should celebrate. Moreover, if the hardware support becomes better due to vendors releasing quality device drivers, more users will come. This will cause an upward spiral.

So what’s in it for non-Linux users? Well first, without the threat of Linux, Microsoft will be tempted to rest on their laurels. But with stiff competition from a free OS which is gaining market share, they are sure to burn the midnight oil. Bottom line? More innovation. Windows users will get a better Windows OS. The same is true in the Mac camp.

Competition is good. Everybody should celebrate.