Linux Desktop Adoption

The cluster discusses why Linux has limited adoption on desktops among general users, highlighting barriers like poor user-friendliness, lack of commercial hardware and software support, and its focus on servers and developers rather than mainstream consumers.

➡️ Stable 0.6x Open Source
6,804
Comments
20
Years Active
5
Top Authors
#5338
Topic ID

Activity Over Time

2007
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72
2009
112
2010
160
2011
169
2012
329
2013
334
2014
235
2015
231
2016
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2017
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2018
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2019
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2020
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2021
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2022
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2024
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2025
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2026
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Keywords

e.g ISTM UX FOSS OSS techrepublic.com ZFS GNOME OS CC linux users linux just developers software ubuntu os open source macos far greater

Sample Comments

aks_tldr Jun 10, 2021 View on HN

That is because Linux is not used by general public.

dcgudeman Aug 22, 2023 View on HN

Does it really require an explanation? All you have to do is observe that literally everyone besides a few free software zealots use "non-free" operating systems. What company is developing consumer linux computers for retail sale? If someone even wanted to buy one they would have to really look. There are many unknowns about what programs will run on linux. Will a buyer encounter a situation where they are literally blocked from doing what they need to do because they are using a frin

maxxxxx Apr 2, 2018 View on HN

Sure. It's not the direct fault of Linux but it prevents wider adoption by non tech users.

29athrowaway Jan 30, 2023 View on HN

If the customer was right everyone would be using Linux

number6 Sep 24, 2022 View on HN

Linux isn't better in this regard.

jtheory Mar 15, 2011 View on HN

What's the incentive for Linux users? Philosophical consistency?

dismalaf Apr 24, 2025 View on HN

What do you think Linux users are missing?

torginus Apr 17, 2025 View on HN

Linux isn't the "best" OS - on platforms that are not servers, Linux (and open source OSes) are in the minority

morvita Mar 25, 2018 View on HN

Because not everyone uses Linux?

roofwellhams Oct 24, 2021 View on HN

That indicates that Linux it's very far away from being mainstream