GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Statistics About The Most Popular Linux Distributions

Highlights: Most Popular Linux Distributions Statistics

  • As of August 2021, the most popular Linux distro on DistroWatch is MX Linux with a 12 month ranking score of 2802.
  • The second most popular Linux distribution according to DistroWatch is Manjaro Linux with a 12-month ranking score of 2692.
  • DistroWatch ranks Linux Mint as the third most popular Linux distribution, with a 12-month ranking score of 2266.
  • As per DistroWatch, Ubuntu, historically one of the most popular distributions, currently ranks 4th with a 12-month ranking of 1729.
  • DistroWatch's 12-month ranking lists Debian, the universal operating system, at 5th position with a score of 1498.
  • The percentage of server systems running Linux is estimated to be 68.9% globally.
  • As of 2019, approximately 2.1% of desktop computers worldwide were running some version of Linux.
  • Fedora, known for its cutting-edge features, ranks 10th in DistroWatch's 12-month ranking with a score of 1042.
  • Arch Linux, preferred by Linux enthusiasts for its minimalism, ranks 8th in DistroWatch's 12-month ranking.
  • openSUSE, popular among enterprise users, holds a 12-month score of 1239 on DistroWatch.
  • elementary OS, crafted for a unique user experience, holds a 12-month score of 663 on DistroWatch.
  • Zorin OS, a compelling choice for beginners to Linux, holds a 12-month score of 913 on DistroWatch.
  • Deepin, well-known for beautiful aesthetics, has a 12-month rating score of 863 on DistroWatch.
  • Solus OS, fully built from scratch, owns a 12-month rating score of 589 on DistroWatch.
  • CentOS, popular Linux distribution for web servers, has fallen to 17th place on DistroWatch's 12-month ranking due to its discontinuation announcement.
  • Pop_OS! by System76, known for its user-friendliness and sleek UI, has a 12-month rating score of 733 on DistroWatch.
  • Kali Linux, a specialist distro for penetration testing, holds a 12-month rating score of 764 on DistroWatch.
  • KDE Neon, offering the latest KDE desktop environment on a stable Ubuntu base, has a 12-month rating score of 600 on DistroWatch.
  • Ubuntu MATE, lightweight and polished, has a 12-month rating score of 686 on DistroWatch.
  • Puppy Linux, an extremely lightweight distro, holds a 12-month rating score of 373 on DistroWatch.

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Linux distributions have gained immense popularity over the years, providing users with a free and open-source alternative to commercial operating systems. With a plethora of options available, each offering unique features and functionalities, it can be difficult to determine which Linux distribution is the best fit for your needs. In this blog post, we will delve into the world of Linux distributions and explore the statistics behind the most popular ones. Whether you are a seasoned Linux user or a curious newcomer, this compilation of statistics will shed light on the trends and preferences in the Linux community, helping you make an informed decision about which distribution to choose. So, let’s dive into the realm of Linux distributions statistics and discover the diverse landscape of this thriving open-source ecosystem.

The Latest Most Popular Linux Distributions Statistics Explained

As of August 2021, the most popular Linux distro on DistroWatch is MX Linux with a 12 month ranking score of 2802.

The provided statistic states that as of August 2021, MX Linux is the most popular Linux distribution on DistroWatch. DistroWatch is a website that provides information about various Linux distributions. The popularity of a distribution is based on a 12 month ranking score, which for MX Linux is 2802. This score is likely calculated by considering factors such as the number of times users have visited the MX Linux page, reviews, ratings, and user interactions within the past year. Therefore, MX Linux has received the highest ranking score among all the Linux distributions listed on DistroWatch, indicating its popularity among users.

The second most popular Linux distribution according to DistroWatch is Manjaro Linux with a 12-month ranking score of 2692.

The provided statistic states that Manjaro Linux is the second most popular Linux distribution, based on its ranking on DistroWatch. DistroWatch is a website that provides information and resources about various Linux distributions. The ranking score of 2692 indicates the relative popularity of Manjaro Linux compared to other distributions over a period of 12 months. This ranking is most likely determined by factors such as the number of visitors to the Manjaro Linux page, user reviews, and download statistics.

DistroWatch ranks Linux Mint as the third most popular Linux distribution, with a 12-month ranking score of 2266.

The statistic states that Linux Mint is ranked as the third most popular Linux distribution according to DistroWatch, a website that tracks and provides information about various Linux distributions. It is determined based on a ranking score that is calculated over a period of 12 months. Linux Mint has a ranking score of 2266, which indicates its relative popularity among Linux users during that time frame.

As per DistroWatch, Ubuntu, historically one of the most popular distributions, currently ranks 4th with a 12-month ranking of 1729.

According to DistroWatch, a website that tracks information about various Linux distributions, Ubuntu, which has been historically one of the most popular distributions, is currently ranked fourth in terms of popularity. This ranking is based on data collected over a 12-month period and Ubuntu has been assigned a ranking value of 1729, which indicates its relative popularity compared to other distributions during this time frame.

DistroWatch’s 12-month ranking lists Debian, the universal operating system, at 5th position with a score of 1498.

The statistic states that according to DistroWatch’s 12-month ranking, Debian, which is renowned as a universal operating system, is placed in the 5th position. This ranking is determined based on a score of 1498. DistroWatch, a website that tracks and provides information about various Linux and Unix-like operating systems, has assessed the popularity and usage of different distributions over the course of 12 months, and Debian has achieved a high ranking, indicating its significance and popularity within the community of operating system users.

The percentage of server systems running Linux is estimated to be 68.9% globally.

The statistic “The percentage of server systems running Linux is estimated to be 68.9% globally” indicates that, according to available data and analysis, Linux operating system is utilized by approximately 68.9% of all server systems worldwide. This percentage serves as an estimation of the prevalence of Linux as a preferred operating system for server infrastructure. It suggests that a significant majority of server systems globally rely on Linux, highlighting its popularity and widespread adoption in the field.

As of 2019, approximately 2.1% of desktop computers worldwide were running some version of Linux.

This statistic indicates that around 2.1% of all desktop computers globally were utilizing some form of the Linux operating system as of 2019. Linux is a popular open-source operating system that provides users with flexibility, customization options, and high performance. Although it holds a relatively small market share compared to other operating systems like Windows and Mac OS, this figure signifies that a significant number of individuals and organizations choose Linux for their desktop computing needs.

Fedora, known for its cutting-edge features, ranks 10th in DistroWatch’s 12-month ranking with a score of 1042.

The statistic states that Fedora, a popular operating system known for its innovative features, is ranked 10th in DistroWatch’s 12-month ranking. DistroWatch is a website that provides information and rankings of various Linux distributions. The score provided for Fedora is 1042, which likely represents a measure of its popularity or user interest over the past year. Overall, this statistic indicates that Fedora holds a respectable position among the different Linux distributions tracked by DistroWatch.

Arch Linux, preferred by Linux enthusiasts for its minimalism, ranks 8th in DistroWatch’s 12-month ranking.

The statistic indicates that Arch Linux, known for its minimalist approach, holds the 8th position amongst all Linux distributions in DistroWatch’s ranking system over the past 12 months. DistroWatch is a popular website that provides information and resources on various operating systems based on Linux. The ranking serves as a measure of popularity or interest within the Linux community, suggesting that Arch Linux has garnered a significant number of enthusiasts despite its minimalistic nature.

openSUSE, popular among enterprise users, holds a 12-month score of 1239 on DistroWatch.

The given statistic indicates the popularity of openSUSE among enterprise users and is measured by its 12-month score on DistroWatch, which stands at 1239. DistroWatch is a platform that provides information and rankings on various Linux distributions, including openSUSE. This score suggests that openSUSE has received significant attention and interest from users within the past year, solidifying its position as a preferred choice for enterprise environments.

elementary OS, crafted for a unique user experience, holds a 12-month score of 663 on DistroWatch.

The statistic “elementary OS, crafted for a unique user experience, holds a 12-month score of 663 on DistroWatch” indicates that elementary OS, an operating system designed to provide a distinct and special user experience, has achieved a score of 663 over a 12-month period as calculated by DistroWatch. DistroWatch is a website that monitors various Linux distributions and measures their popularity based on factors such as page views and interest. This statistic suggests that elementary OS has garnered significant attention and interest from users within the past year.

Zorin OS, a compelling choice for beginners to Linux, holds a 12-month score of 913 on DistroWatch.

The statistic “Zorin OS, a compelling choice for beginners to Linux, holds a 12-month score of 913 on DistroWatch” provides information about the popularity and user interest in Zorin OS, a Linux operating system specifically designed for beginners. The score of 913 on DistroWatch represents the collective ranking or rating that Zorin OS has received over the past 12 months, indicating its high level of recognition and popularity among Linux users. This statistic suggests that Zorin OS is a preferred choice for individuals new to the Linux ecosystem, as it has garnered significant attention and positive feedback within the community.

Deepin, well-known for beautiful aesthetics, has a 12-month rating score of 863 on DistroWatch.

The statistic states that Deepin, a popular operating system known for its visually appealing design, has obtained a rating score of 863 on DistroWatch over a period of 12 months. DistroWatch is a website that tracks and rates different Linux distributions based on factors such as user interest, popularity, and community activity. This high rating score suggests that Deepin has received positive feedback and strong user support, affirming its reputation for delivering visually stunning aesthetics and a satisfying user experience.

Solus OS, fully built from scratch, owns a 12-month rating score of 589 on DistroWatch.

The statistic “Solus OS, fully built from scratch, owns a 12-month rating score of 589 on DistroWatch” means that Solus OS, a complete operating system that was developed entirely from the ground up, has been given a rating score of 589 on DistroWatch over a period of 12 months. DistroWatch is a website that provides information and ratings on various Linux distributions. This score suggests that Solus OS has garnered a relatively high level of user satisfaction and popularity on the platform compared to other Linux distributions within the same timeframe.

CentOS, popular Linux distribution for web servers, has fallen to 17th place on DistroWatch’s 12-month ranking due to its discontinuation announcement.

The statistic indicates that CentOS, which is a widely used Linux distribution for web servers, has dropped to the 17th position in the 12-month ranking provided by DistroWatch. This decline in popularity is primarily attributed to the announcement of its discontinuation. CentOS’s decision to discontinue the distribution has likely resulted in dissatisfaction among its user base, leading them to explore other options and causing a significant drop in its ranking on DistroWatch.

Pop_OS. by System76, known for its user-friendliness and sleek UI, has a 12-month rating score of 733 on DistroWatch.

The statistic states that Pop_OS., which is a Linux distribution developed by System76, has received a rating score of 733 on DistroWatch over a period of 12 months. DistroWatch is a popular website that provides information and rankings on various Linux distributions. The rating score indicates the overall popularity and user satisfaction of the operating system. With a score of 733, Pop_OS. has been well-received by users, likely due to its user-friendly interface and visually appealing design.

Kali Linux, a specialist distro for penetration testing, holds a 12-month rating score of 764 on DistroWatch.

The statistic states that Kali Linux, a specialized operating system for penetration testing (a technique to find vulnerabilities in computer systems), has received a rating score of 764 on DistroWatch over a period of 12 months. DistroWatch is a website that provides information and rankings of various Linux distributions. This score indicates the perceived quality and popularity of Kali Linux within the Linux community. The higher the rating score, the better the overall reception and popularity of the operating system, suggesting that Kali Linux is well-regarded and widely used for penetration testing purposes.

KDE Neon, offering the latest KDE desktop environment on a stable Ubuntu base, has a 12-month rating score of 600 on DistroWatch.

The statistic states that KDE Neon, a Linux distribution that provides the most up-to-date KDE desktop environment while being built on a dependable Ubuntu foundation, has achieved a rating score of 600 on DistroWatch over a period of 12 months. DistroWatch is a website that catalogues and monitors various Linux distributions, allowing users to rate and comment on their experiences. This score suggests that KDE Neon has received positive feedback and interest from users, reflecting its stability, performance, and popularity within the Linux community.

Ubuntu MATE, lightweight and polished, has a 12-month rating score of 686 on DistroWatch.

The statistic indicates that Ubuntu MATE, a lightweight and polished operating system, has a rating score of 686 on DistroWatch which is based on a 12-month period. This score is likely calculated by aggregating user ratings and reviews over the course of a year, measuring the overall satisfaction and popularity of the Ubuntu MATE distribution among the DistroWatch community. A higher score suggests a favorable perception of Ubuntu MATE, showcasing its quality, performance, and appeal to users seeking a lightweight and well-designed operating system.

Puppy Linux, an extremely lightweight distro, holds a 12-month rating score of 373 on DistroWatch.

The statistic indicates that Puppy Linux, a very lightweight distribution of Linux operating system, has received a rating score of 373 on DistroWatch over a 12-month period. DistroWatch is a popular website that provides information and rankings on various Linux distributions. The rating score suggests that Puppy Linux has garnered positive feedback and popularity among users, potentially due to its lightweight nature, which makes it suitable for older or resource-limited computers.

Conclusion

Based on the statistics presented in this blog post, it is clear that Linux distributions continue to gain popularity among users around the world. Among the numerous distributions available, Ubuntu has emerged as the most widely used and recognized distribution, boasting a significant market share. This can be attributed to its user-friendly interface, extensive software repositories, and strong community support. However, other distributions such as Fedora, Debian, and CentOS have also garnered a considerable user base.

The statistics also reveal interesting trends in terms of desktop versus server usage. While Ubuntu and Linux Mint dominate the desktop landscape, distributions like CentOS and Fedora are preferred choices for server environments due to their stability, security, and long-term support.

Furthermore, the popularity of Linux distributions varies depending on geographic location. For instance, Ubuntu is particularly popular in Europe, while CentOS is widely adopted in the enterprise sector, and Fedora is favored by developers and enthusiasts.

Overall, these statistics illustrate the diverse and thriving ecosystem of Linux distributions, offering users a wide range of choices to suit their specific needs and preferences. As the open-source movement continues to grow, it will be fascinating to observe how the popularity and usage of different Linux distributions evolve in the coming years.

References

0. – https://www.distrowatch.com

1. – https://www.www.csoonline.com

2. – https://www.www.statista.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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