In terms of sheer numbers Linux is a minnow when it comes to desktop adoption as only an estimated one per cent of the world’s computer users favour it, with Microsoft commanding 90% of the same market. Despite overwhelming popularity with its users, problems adopting and integrating other popular applications mean that Linux suffers when it comes to being taken up by desktop users.
Server applications do slightly better with an estimated 12.7% of the world’s servers currently running on Linux. However, when it comes to performance users say it’s ‘no contest’ and that is why Linux operating systems are favoured by the academic community; most notably developers of other software applications.
Linux’ popularity is attributed to the fact that is free, very secure and reliable, costs relatively little to maintain and unlike most of its competitors is free from vendor lock-in. However, because of its failure to make an impact in the desktop market there is a lack of support for certain software and hardware applications that have been primarily designed for Microsoft Windows. For many companies the cost of switching away from Microsoft applications in the workplace is simply too prohibitive to contemplate - especially to Linux applications.
But, any software developers that come up with solutions that can also be used on Linux platforms are usually well received. Free software that allows users to communicate by free voice and video calls, allows for conference calling and works on Linux is much sought after; but unfortunately, many instant messaging systems are simply not usable on Linux platforms, or present so many problems that users give up and find other ways of communicating.
But, communicate they do and there is a loyal and solid Linux community that exists across the globe. Linux User Groups (LUGs) exist in many major cities and regions throughout the world. They aim to promote free software, especially Linux, and hold seminars at which they provide free demonstrations in a hope to bolster the number of users.
LUGs provide training and technical support and will assist new users with operating system installations. They are also pivotal in establishing online communities that incorporate widespread chatrooms and newsgroup usage. In addition there are a number of specialist online and traditional print publications devoted entirely to Linux systems, allowing users to keep up to date with all the latest developments.
The philosophy behind Linux means that advocates promote the operating system and will also warmly embrace any applications that can be used in conjunction with it. Anyone who provides a reliable instant messaging service across the Linux platform can be sure that the news will quickly spread and be widely adopted.
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