386: Linux's Explosive Growth: 4.45% of the Desktop Market!
Sep 2, 2024
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Linux is making a splash, achieving a 4.45% increase in desktop market share. The hosts delve into the reasons behind this surge, including user preferences for privacy and security. They also tackle the media's negative portrayal of Android despite its strengths. In a lighter vein, they explore whimsical topics like quirky goblin gladiators in gaming and share insights on fun educational tools, while emphasizing the importance of open source AI and community engagement in the tech landscape.
Linux's desktop market share has surged to 4.45%, indicating a growing user base and greater software development opportunities.
Concerns about Flatpak security were raised, emphasizing the need for users to verify developers and permissions for safer installations.
The media's negative portrayal of Android's security reflects bias, as it often overlooks similar vulnerabilities in Apple's closed ecosystem.
Deep dives
Linux Market Share Growth
Linux has achieved a significant milestone by increasing its desktop market share to 4.45%, a notable rise from 2.76% in 2023. This growth is particularly impressive given the challenges associated with users switching operating systems, which requires more commitment than simply changing applications. Approximately 66.75 million users are now estimated to be using Linux on their desktops, which highlights the potential for increased software development specifically geared towards this user base. Comparatively, while macOS holds about 14% and Windows dominates at approximately 70%, the growth trajectory of Linux suggests that it's gaining traction among desktop users.
Flatpak vs. Debian Packaging
Concerns regarding the security of Flatpak packages were discussed, particularly in light of recent changes in Linux Mint that now flag Flatpaks as either verified or unverified. The use of Flatpaks can offer additional permission controls that are typically absent in traditional Debian packages, which automatically grant root access when installed. This raises the argument for considering Flatpaks as a safer option due to their sandboxing capabilities, especially when installations are sourced from less-known developers. It was emphasized that users should always verify the credibility of developers and periodically review permissions requested by any Flatpak applications.
The Role of Valve in Linux's Popularity
Valve's Steam Deck has played a pivotal role in increasing the exposure and usability of Linux as a viable gaming platform, driving growth significantly since the introduction of Proton. The success of Steam Deck has not only made gaming on Linux more accessible but has also encouraged developers to create compatible games, resulting in a broader adoption of the Linux desktop. The influx of users from gaming communities is seen as a major factor behind Linux's rising desktop market share, alongside growing concerns for privacy and security among users of major operating systems. The synergy between gaming on Linux and the satisfaction with the Steam Deck highlights how hardware innovations can fuel software adoption.
Misleading Media Coverage of Android
The podcast highlighted a recurring issue with the media's negative portrayal of Android, particularly in relation to security vulnerabilities, while often neglecting similar issues faced by Apple. Media narratives tend to spotlight Android's app vulnerabilities as a reflection of its open-source nature, whereas Apple's closed ecosystem suffers from a lack of visibility on its potential security risks. By focusing predominantly on Android security flaws, the media creates an unfair perception that does not accurately represent the security dynamics of both platforms. This pattern raises questions about the motivations behind such biased reporting and invites scrutiny into how both ecosystems handle vulnerabilities.
Open Source AI Initiative
A new open-source AI definition was released by the OSI to ensure that AI developments remain accessible to users and developers alike. The manifesto outlines essential freedoms related to open-source AI, promoting qualities such as autonomy, transparency, and collaborative improvement, which are crucial for responsible AI production. The initiative aims to establish guidelines that prevent monopolistic control by a few corporations and ensure that innovation in AI benefits a broader audience. By defining open-source parameters for AI, the OSI seeks to enhance trust and participation in the AI landscape, which is increasingly dominated by proprietary models.
On this weeks episode we’re going to discuss Linux getting some mad gains in market share and why we think it’s happening. Welcome to Destination Linux, where we discuss the latest news, hot topics, gaming, mobile, and all things Open Source & Linux. Also this week, we’re going to discuss why Android is treated so poorly by the media. Plus we got some Linux Gaming, and our Software Spotlight, and more. Now let’s get this show on the road toward Destination Linux!
00:00 Intro
02:31 Community Feedback
10:32 Linux Get’s Mad Gains
29:17 Define Open Source AI
35:59 Why does the media hate Android?
45:57 Gaming: Ash and Adams GOBSMACKED
48:19 Software Spotlight: Typing Turtle
52:01 Support the Show
56:39 Outro
