If I remember correctly, that require manual Linux install as well, didn’t it? I think it was more complicated which was the reason I decided against a PS3. Never did it though.

That’s not what I meant or said. But depending on your setup, the user might need to deactivate bios settings which are named differently or can at least be found in different areas of the bios. So that’s a skill they need. Additionally they have to format a hard drive, which requires understanding that not all data is wiped if the data is for example stored in the cloud or a different drive. Additionally, they would have to decide for a distro and desktop, which can easily be overwhelming, as well as a fulesystem during installation… there are lot of skills most users don’t have because they are no longer required. And seeing these skill requirements for an unskilled person can be a huge barrier and deal killer.

Absolutely agree. My point is, that we people should consider these aspects because many comments I saw where a bit one sided as if this loop was already accelerating and 2025 would be the year of Linux.

I think OP is referring to the percentage, not functionality. Windows, especially the office suites / GUIs are micht more refined. Someone somewhere pointed out at some point in time that backend development is often open source because developers are dedicated to the cause and the function. Designers, on the other hand, not so much (maybe they need payment because their main job pays less… I don’t know.

In the end, the user uses the front-end, not the backend. And unless money flows into front-end development, for example, by a growing market of companies who want to switch away from office 365 for functional and financial reasons, we won’t see front-ends which are attractive enough for people to switch to Linux for daily/ work related tasks.

I think it’s important to point out that the percentages are not necessarily that meaningful. If more people are using steam deck and ditch their windows PCs for it, it’s not an OS choice. It’s a choice to move to consoles. Additionally, steam deck also competes with traditional console brands (PS, Xbox, switch) and might take some market share there as well, so that even if no one ditched their windows PCs, the total number of users using goes up and hence, the percentage.

I haven’t had a steam deck in my hands, but I guess that it doesn’t need the user to understand the underlying system at all. It can be used by the same unskilled people who use android or iPhone. So, one core requirement I think people need to have to install any other os is not met or even trained, which is actual knowledge about computers.

The reports about “increase in market share of Linux user’s” is from my point of view, which is “I think it would be great if people would ditch windows and office” just a market bit. Useful but ultimately little meaningful.