Linux Statistics: An In-Depth Look at the State of Linux in 2024

Introduction

Linux, an open-source operating system created by Linus Torvalds in 1991, has become a cornerstone of modern computing. Renowned for its flexibility, security, and reliability, Linux is utilized across various domains, including personal computers, smartphones, servers, and supercomputers. As we step into 2024, Linux remains pivotal in emerging technologies such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and containerization. Organizations increasingly favor Linux for its stability and performance, particularly in critical tasks. With a vibrant community of developers and continuous innovations, Linux is poised to remain a key player in the future of computing, from personal use to advanced AI data centers.

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Recent statistics reveal the extensive reach and influence of Linux in 2024:

• Supercomputers: Linux powers approximately 91.5% of the world’s supercomputers.
• Web Servers: It accounts for 70% of web servers globally.
• Desktop Market Share: Linux has achieved a 2.91% share of the global desktop operating system market, up from 2.58% in 2023.
• Cloud Platforms: Linux runs on 92% of virtual machines in major cloud platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure.
• Developer Community: Over 32 million developers are actively contributing to Linux projects, largely due to its significance in cloud computing and AI.
• Business Adoption: Approximately 85% of businesses utilize Linux for its flexibility and cost-effectiveness in production environments.
• Smartphones: Nearly 82% of smartphones worldwide run on Android, which is based on the Linux kernel, showcasing Linux’s widespread influence.
• Security Concerns: Linux security issues have risen by 15% this year, prompting companies to enhance their cybersecurity measures.
• Popular Distributions: As of 2024, Ubuntu, Red Hat, and Debian are the leading Linux distributions, with Ubuntu holding a 34% market share.
• Containerization: Linux remains the primary operating system for containers, with 85% of them utilizing Linux, thanks to technologies like Kubernetes and Docker.
• Open-Source Contributions: Contributions to Linux repositories are expected to increase by 10% in 2024, reflecting strong support for open-source initiatives.

General Linux Statistics

The demographics of Linux users reveal interesting trends:

• Age Distribution: In 2024, 62% of Linux users are aged between 25 and 40 years.
• Geographical Distribution: North America and Europe account for 58% of Linux users, while Asia holds about 25%, driven by tech hubs in India and China.
• Education Level: Approximately 75% of Linux users possess a bachelor’s degree or higher, with many employed in technology sectors.
• Professional Background: Nearly 40% of Linux users are software developers, followed by 30% who are IT professionals and 15% who are students in tech-related fields.
• Gender Representation: The Linux community is predominantly male, with 88% male users compared to 12% female users.
• Employment Sectors: About 35% of Linux users work in cloud computing and DevOps, while 20% are involved in cybersecurity.
• Certification Growth: Over 15,000 professionals earned Linux certifications in 2024, marking a 12% increase from the previous year.
• Income Levels: Most Linux users have annual incomes ranging from USD 60,000 to USD 120,000.

Linux Market Statistics

The financial landscape surrounding Linux is robust:

• Market Size: In 2024, the Linux operating system market is estimated to reach around USD 7.8 billion, up from USD 6.48 billion in 2023.
• Future Projections: The market is expected to grow to USD 15.63 billion by 2028, with a compound annual growth rate of 20.4%.
• Global Software Market: The Linux software market is projected to reach USD 25.7 billion in 2024, growing from USD 23.1 billion in 2023.
• Enterprise Adoption: 85% of large enterprises use Linux software for server management, cloud infrastructure, and development platforms.
• Web Servers: Linux-based software powers 80% of web servers and 70% of embedded systems globally.
• Security Software Demand: The demand for Linux security software has surged by 18% in 2024, driven by increasing cybersecurity threats.

Linux Usage Statistics

The usage of Linux among developers is noteworthy:

• Developer Preference: In 2024, around 47% of professional developers use Linux operating systems.
• Operating System Preferences: Despite Linux’s popularity, 61% of survey respondents believe Windows will remain the top preferred operating system, while MacOS is used by nearly 44% of developers.
• Other Operating Systems: Only 3% of users employ Windows Subsystem for Linux, and 1% use alternative operating systems for their work.

Linux-Powered Websites Statistics

The prevalence of Linux in the web domain is significant:

• As of October 15, 2024, approximately 48.3% of all websites globally utilize Linux as their operating system.
• Among the top 1,000,000 websites, 51.7% run on Linux, with 49.5% of the top 100,000 websites also using Linux.
• Furthermore, 48% of the top 10,000 websites and 40.4% of the top 1,000 websites are powered by Linux.

Distribution of the Top 500 Supercomputer Statistics

Linux’s dominance in high-performance computing is evident:

• As of June 2023, nearly 47% of the top 500 supercomputers utilized Linux, with 12.4% running on CentOS.
• Other operating systems like Cray Linux Environment (4.8%) and HPECray OS (4.4%) also contribute to the landscape.

Linux Desktop Operating System Market Share

In 2024, Linux’s desktop market share has reached 4.48%, a slight decrease from 4.55% in August. The monthly breakdown shows fluctuations throughout 2023 and 2024, indicating a dynamic market environment.

Smartphone Operating System Share By Age Group

In 2024, the distribution of mobile operating systems among different age groups in the US is as follows:

• 18 to 29 years: Android OS (22%), iOS (68%)
• 30 to 49 years: Android OS (44%), iOS (48%)
• 50 to 64 years: Android OS (55%), iOS (39%)

Most Used Operating System for OpenStack Cloud Deployments

In 2023, Ubuntu Server and CentOS were the leading operating systems for OpenStack cloud deployments, with 47% and 27% market shares, respectively.

Linux Monthly Market Share Statistics By PC Operating Systems

In January 2024, Linux held a 3.37% share of the PC operating system market in the United States, with slight variations in subsequent months.

Share of Linux Statistics By Desktop OS Market in India

In July 2024, Linux captured 16.21% of the desktop operating system market in India, showcasing its growing presence in emerging markets.

Most Used Technologies in the Cybersecurity Tech Stack

In 2024, Linux ranked third among the most popular cybersecurity skills, chosen by 6.94% of respondents, highlighting its relevance in the cybersecurity landscape.

Server Market Share Statistics By Operating System

Linux continues to dominate the server market, running on approximately 53% of all servers worldwide, compared to 30% for Microsoft Windows Server and 9% for UNIX.

Top Linux Subcategories Statistics By Market Share

As of October 15, 2024, Ubuntu leads the Linux distribution market with 19.8%, followed by Debian (10.7%) and CentOS (4.0%).

Linux Website Traffic Statistics

In September 2024, linux.com recorded nearly 183.3 thousand visits, with a bounce rate of 57.79%. The United States accounted for 25.35% of the website’s total traffic.

Recent Product Development Updates in 2024

• Ubuntu 24.04 LTS: Released in March 2024, it offers enhanced security and compatibility with cloud-native applications.
• Fedora 39: Launched in April 2024, it introduces new container tools and improved performance on ARM processors.
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 10 Beta: Focuses on simplifying cloud and edge computing deployments.

Future Product Releases

• Debian 13: Expected in Q4 2024, with improvements in package management.
• AlmaLinux 10: A CentOS alternative, set for release by the end of 2024.
• SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 16: Anticipated in early 2025, focusing on AI workloads.

Linux Statistics By Demand Influencing Factors

Several factors are driving the demand for Linux:

• Cloud Dominance: Linux powers over 90% of cloud workloads.
• Containerization: The rise of Docker and Kubernetes has increased Linux’s relevance in containerized environments.
• Security: Robust security features make Linux a preferred choice amid rising cyber threats.
• Cost Efficiency: Linux’s open-source model offers a cost-effective alternative to proprietary systems.
• Developer Preference: Its flexibility continues to attract developers, especially in AI and machine learning.

Conclusion

The statistics presented in this article illustrate that Linux remains a robust and flexible operating system in 2024. Its impact on personal and business computing is profound, and its open-source nature, strong community, and continuous improvements ensure its popularity among developers, companies, and tech enthusiasts. Linux leads in critical areas such as cloud computing, supercomputers, and AI, shaping the future of technology. As the demand for secure, flexible, and affordable solutions grows, Linux will continue to play a vital role, offering reliable performance and stability across various industries.