Linux range of use

Besides the Linux distributions designed for general-purpose use on desktops and servers, distributions may be specialized for different purposes including computer architecture support, embedded systems, stability, security, localization to a specific region or language, targeting of specific user groups, support for real-time applications, or commitment to a given desktop environment.

He quit Linux kernel development out of frustration with this lack of focus on the desktop, and then gave a "tell all" interview on the topic.

Furthermore, some applications initially developed for Linux, such as Pidgin, and GIMP, were ported to other operating systems (including Windows and macOS) due to their popularity.

Besides externally visible components, such as X window managers, a non-obvious but quite central role is played by the programs hosted by freedesktop.org, such as D-Bus or PulseAudio; both major desktop environments (GNOME and KDE) include them, each offering graphical front-ends written using the corresponding toolkit (GTK or Qt).

[19] In 2009, Google announced its ChromeOS as a minimal Linux-based operating system, using the Chrome browser as the main user interface.

ChromeOS initially did not run any non-web applications, except for the bundled file manager and media player.

[26] Linux distributions have become increasingly common on mainframes, partly due to pricing and the open-source model.

[27] In December 2009, computer giant IBM reported that it would predominantly market and sell mainframe-based Enterprise Linux Server.

[28] At LinuxCon North America 2015, IBM announced LinuxONE, a series of mainframes specifically designed to run Linux and open-source software.

Based on web use, Android's usage share of operating systems dominates globally, with almost double the marketshare of Microsoft Windows.

[42] Cellphones and PDAs running Linux on open-source platforms became more common from 2007; examples include the Nokia N810, Openmoko's Neo1973, and the Motorola ROKR E8.

[47] In July 2012, Jolla announced Sailfish OS, their own mobile operating system built upon Mer technology.

Mozilla's Firefox OS consists of the Linux kernel, a hardware abstraction layer, a web-standards-based runtime environment and user interface, and an integrated web browser.

[50] Like Ubuntu Touch, PureOS is designed with convergence in mind, allowing desktop programs to run on the smartphone.

For example, the TiVo digital video recorder also uses a customized Linux,[53] as do several network firewalls and routers from such makers as Cisco/Linksys.

[57] On December 13, 2013, Valve released SteamOS, a gaming-oriented OS based on Debian, for beta testing, and had plans to ship Steam Machines as a gaming and entertainment platform.

[63] On February 25, 2022, Valve released Steam Deck, a handheld gaming console running Arch Linux-based operating system SteamOS 3.0.

OpenELEC, a Linux distribution that incorporates the media center software Kodi, is an OS tuned specifically for an HTPC.

Having been built from the ground up adhering to the JeOS principle, the OS is very lightweight and very suitable for the confined usage range of an HTPC.

[66] The Ubuntu derivative BackBox provides pre-installed security and network analysis tools for ethical hacking.

Lightweight Portable Security is a distribution based on Arch Linux and developed by the United States Department of Defense.

Building upon that idea, several Linux distributions tailored for this purpose have emerged, most of which use GParted as a partition editor, with additional data recovery and system repair software: SpaceX uses multiple redundant flight computers in a fault-tolerant design in its Falcon 9 rocket.

[68] As of July 2019[update], SpaceX has conducted over 76 launches of the Falcon 9 since 2010, out of which all but one have successfully delivered their primary payloads to the intended orbit, and has used it to transport astronauts to the International Space Station.

[69] Windows was deployed as the operating system on non-mission critical laptops used on the space station, but it was later replaced with Linux.

They also include tools for administering and building school computer labs and computer-based classrooms, such as the Linux Terminal Server Project (LTSP).

Instant WebKiosk and Webconverger are browser-based Linux distributions often used in web kiosks and digital signage.