Linux Statistics By Market, Usage, Website Traffic And Facts (2025)

Introduction

Linux Statistics: Linux is a group of free operating systems that work like Unix. It runs on the Linux kernel, which was first made by Linus Torvalds in 1991. Most people use Linux through something called a distribution, or distro, which is a full package that includes the kernel along with tools, software, and libraries needed to run a computer. Today, Linux is widely used in many places, from laptops and smartphones to smart TVs, servers, and even supercomputers. People like it due to its reliable, safety features, and easy customization.

This article includes several current statistical analyses from different sources, including key features, popular Linux distributions, reasons for using, use cases, how to get started, various challenges, significance in today’s world, and many others.

Editor’s Choice

  • According to StatCounter report analysis, the global desktop OS market share of Linux holds 4.1 % globally as of June 2025.
  • In the United States, the desktop share of Linux crossed 5.03 % in the same duration.
  • linux.slashdot.org also states that Steam reported Linux usage at 2.69 % in May 2025.
  • In the same period, Linux (via Android) commands 72.7 % of mobile device usage, according to Hacker News.
  • Wikipedia says that Linux/Unix-like systems power approximately 77 % of web servers (as of Sept 2024).
  • Smartphone penetration (Android) is reported at 85 % and approximately 72 % in different sources.
  • All TOP 500 supercomputers run on Linux (100 %) as of Nov 2024.
  • Coolest Gadget further states that Linux powers about 92 % of virtual machines on major cloud platforms.
  • Over 25,000 developers actively contribute to the Linux kernel
  • Truelist.co states that around 47% of software developers work with Linux-based operating systems in their daily tasks.

Basic Analysis of Linux

Release Date August 25, 1991
Developer

Community contributors,

Linus Torvalds

Written in

 C, assembly languages, Rust, and others
OS family

Unix-like

Influenced by

 Minix, Unix
Marketing target

Cloud computing, embedded devices, mainframe computers, mobile devices, personal computers, servers, and supercomputers.

Available in

 Multilingual
Kernel type

Monolithic

Userland

 util-linux by standard, various alternatives, such as Busybox, GNU, Plan 9 from User Space, and Toybox.
Supported platforms

Alpha, ARC, ARM, C-Sky, Hexagon, LoongArch, m68k, Microblaze, MIPS, Nios II, OpenRISC, PA-RISC, PowerPC, RISC-V, s390, SuperH, SPARC, x86, and Xtensa.

Default

user interface

 Most distributions include a desktop environment (GUI).
License

GPLv2

Official website

kernel.org

Key Features of Linux

  • Linux is free to use, modify, and distribute
  • Strong security model
  • Stability & Reliability
  • Linux can run multiple programs
  • Multiuser Support
  • Linux is portable, as it can run from mobile phones and smart TVs to mainframes and supercomputers.
  • Customizability
  • Strong Community Support
  • Efficient Resource Usage
  • Variety of Distributions (Distros)

Linux Market Statistics