Linux for Desktops: Some Analysts Say Usage Data Inflated

Although there is little doubt that Linux - the open-source operating software company - has made great headway in the server market, some analysts say that Linux usage data is inflated. Data based on the number of machines sold with Linux installed may be misleading according to some skeptics who say that many of those machines are quickly loaded with counterfeit versions of Microsoft Windows.

 

The data is important in determining whether software companies will begin producing versions of their programs that are compatible with Linux. Kirkland partner Jeffery Norman said determining the size of Linux's audience is difficult for many reasons including, much of what looks like Windows piracy may actually be users running Windows software on Linux, and many users that have Linux installed on their PC use a different operating system for compatibility reasons.

 

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