Find solution
Why is Market Share so important?

Why doesn't the linux operating system have greater market share?

  • Microsoft and Apple are large corporations and have control of most of the operating system markets. While there has been some innovative changes to each of their proprietary operating systems, does their size and market dominance prevent more innovation? Why or why not? Linux, as an open source environment, is poised for a greater innovation. Why do you think the linux operating system doesn't have a greater market share?

  • Answer:

    Because our whole culture is driven by the pursuit of profit. Windows 7 and Mac have tons of expensive advertising. And because they're big advertisers, the media give them preference, breathlessly announcing news from Microsoft and Apple and inflating their importance. They have become part of our culture. Meanwhile Linux is spread by word of mouth. 99% of Americans know what Windows and Macintosh are, but very few even know Linux exists. Also I think a lot of people get their computer training at work. Workplaces train people in Microsoft Office, and Windows in general. No large corporations use Linux, at least in the mainstream. A few nerdy lab tech types might have Linux machines but there's a Windows machine on every desk in the office. Microsoft made a deal with big computer mfgrs like HP, Gateway, Dell, etc., that they couldn't sell Windows as an option, they had to bundle it with every machine they sold. So try to buy one of these machines without the Windows disks, telling them you want to use Linux instead. They can't even sell it to you. For a while there was a big business in 'barebones' systems, basically user-built, so the customer wouldn't be forced to buy a copy of Windows along with the computer.

Mr. Smartypants at Yahoo! Answers Visit the source

Was this solution helpful to you?

Other answers

Most people could care less what the operating system is that they are using. What concerns them are applications. They run the operating system that supports the applications that they want to use. Microsoft has a huge (as in monopolistic) market share for one reason. They cultivate the software developers and help them every way they can. If you are a major software house, you pay NOTHING for the tools your people need. Microsoft GIVES you every programming and development tool you could ask for, and keeps you updated and supported 24/7. With the right creds, you have access to hot lines, expert help and all the other tools you need to make your software. All you have to do is one thing. Only release your software for Microsoft Platforms. The result? It is thousands and thousands of dollars cheaper to develop and sell an application the Microsoft way than any other way. Companies that do not want to play in the sandbox don't have to. But they operate at a disadvantage compared to those developers that get in bed with MS Linux has a huge share of the back end operations, where the OS is more important to the users, because most of the applications are custom written for the company. But for the general user - they never see 99% of the software written for Linux, because it's not on store shelves. What they see is written for Windows, and Windows is what they need to run the apps they want. Until and unless the Federal Government rules that this method of controlling the market is illegal, MS will rule the roost, whether we like it or not

johntrottier

There is really no reason to use a proprietary platform these days with the exception of High End gaming which will always be the achilles heel of Linux. Otherwise Windows is all but redundant which is becoming increasingly evident particularly where users upgrading from XP are switching to Linux permanently http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/247577/desktop_linux_gains_share_in_recent_months.html LUg.

Linux Mint 11

1. When you buy a computer, you have to have Windows installed. You don't have a choice. When you buy a smartphone, you have a choice. Not too many people buy Windows phones. 2. People think something that's free is worthless, because they are stupid.

Jim

First off, you have a misconception about Apple. They only hold 5% of the market share. Matter of fact, linux probably holds more. Compatibility is the big issue but linux is even better than OSX when it comes to compatibility.

DrDave

Because they suck

Chickita

Related Q & A:

Just Added Q & A:

Find solution

For every problem there is a solution! Proved by Solucija.

  • Got an issue and looking for advice?

  • Ask Solucija to search every corner of the Web for help.

  • Get workable solutions and helpful tips in a moment.

Just ask Solucija about an issue you face and immediately get a list of ready solutions, answers and tips from other Internet users. We always provide the most suitable and complete answer to your question at the top, along with a few good alternatives below.