Hidden Linux Footprint

Desktop market‑share statistics understate Linux adoption because of 'unknown' browser OS classifications and because ChromeOS and Android are Linux‑kernel systems usually reported separately. Recasting 'OS market share' to count kernel family (Linux) versus UI/branding (Windows/macOS) changes who is the dominant end‑user platform. — If policymakers, procurement officers, and platform regulators recognize a much larger Linux base, decisions on sovereignty, standards, security, and developer ecosystems will shift away from Windows/macOS‑centric assumptions.

Sources

Linux Kernel 6.18 Officially Released

EditorDavid 2025.12.01 77% relevant

Linux 6.18’s new features (Rust Binder driver support, dm‑pcache for persistent memory caching, expanded hypervisor guests like FreeBSD Bhyve, and architecture‑specific KVM/LoongArch work) are concrete evidence of deep, continuing kernel development across servers, embedded, and alternative OS ecosystems—reinforcing the existing idea that Linux’s true footprint and infrastructural centrality is larger than popular market‑share stats imply.

Are There More Linux Users Than We Think?

EditorDavid 2025.11.30 100% relevant

ZDNet/StatCounter figures cited in the article: 3.49% Linux desktop, 4.21% 'unknown', 3.67% ChromeOS in US—combined to argue ~11% Linux desktop and far larger when including Android.