While smartphones running the Linux-based Android mobile operating system dominate the smartphone market,[2][3] and Linux is used on most servers,[4] as of 2021 exclusively run on the world's 500 fastest supercomputers,[5] and is used on the New York Stock Exchange,[6] Linux-based operating systems have failed to achieve widespread adoption on personal computers.

[8][9][10] He argues that Android is widely used because it comes pre-installed on new phones, and that Linux distributions would need to be bundled on new computers to gain market share.

In his 2003 paper titled Improved Portability of Shared Libraries, he worried about the lack of a Windows Application Compatibility Group equivalent.

[17] Nick Farrell, writing for TechEye, felt that the release of the poorly-received Windows Vista was a missed opportunity to grab significant market share.

If you think the Apple fanboys are completely barking, they are role models of sanity to the loudmouthed Open Sauce religious loonies who are out there.

[22] Critics cite the large number as cause for confusion to prospective users and argue it is a factor preventing the widespread adoption of Linux on consumer desktops.

[23][21] Alexander Wolfe wrote in InformationWeek: Remember the 1980s worries about how the "forking" of Unix could hurt that operating system's chances for adoption?

That was nothing compared to the mess we've got today with Linux, where upwards of 300 distributions vie for the attention of computer users seeking an alternative to Windows.

[28]However, Linux advocates have defended the large number of distributions as promoting of freedom of choice and describe the diversity as a key strength.

[29] Jim Lynch from InfoWorld wrote: I think it's really this diversity of choice that has protected Linux, and given it its strong niche outside the control of one company or entity.

So Linux was left with idealists that wanted to design the best possible system without having to worry about boring details like support and backwards compatibility.

[35] PulseAudio main developer Lennart Poettering stated that it is very difficult for programmers to know which audio API to use for which purpose.

However, many features are still missing from these drivers, mostly due to manufacturers not providing specifications and documentation, and thus forcing developers to reverse engineer cards.

[42] The traditional directory structure, which is a heritage from Linux's Unix roots in the 1970s, has been criticized as inappropriate for desktop end users.

While there may still be gaps compared to proprietary operating systems, the availability of open-source alternatives and compatibility with Windows and macOS software has improved.