NewsFactor: Is Linux Really Going To Rule the Desktop?

"The Linux operating system remains strong in the server market, continuing to prove itself in a growing array of computing environments, including financial services, education and government. When it comes to the desktop, though, Linux can claim less than 1 percent market share, according to 2001 figures. Research firm IDC found the operating system is installed on just .5 percent of desktop PCs, while Mac OS has 2.4 percent desktop market share and Microsoft Windows has 95 percent.

"Nevertheless, if companies resist Microsoft's new licensing terms, they may look to Linux for flexibility and savings. In addition, with companies like Red Hat reinforcing desktop Linux efforts and Sun Microsystems supporting the OS, Linux could begin capturing larger portions of the desktop market and could achieve as much as a 10 percent share in the next couple of years, according to analysts..."

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• The Register: The Red Hat, IBM Pitch for Linux in the Enterprise(Sep 26, 2002)