Why 2013 is the year of Linux

When compared to Windows, the number of Linux desktop users is very small. This has always been the case and is due to the lack of main application support that users are looking for. This would include programs like Adobe Photoshop or tier one games like Crysis.

Mac has been able to get a few of the major programs over to it which is why it has been able to remain popular for a small set of users. Linux has a great set of open source applications but not enough to convince users to make the move.

Linux has become more and more user friendly over the last several years and has many eye pleasing features. Ubuntu has made it very easy for a normal user to find applications that can do what they are looking for and install them with the click of a button. This is not enough as Linux needs the applications people want and are used too.

Valve is in the process of releasing there Steam platform to Linux. With this they will be porting over all their Source based games starting with Left 4 Dead 2. Steam will no doubt be very popular on Linux and get a slew of indie games that will be available on Linux but it will depend on how well Valve can convince other tier 1 development companies to move over to Linux as well.

All the major tier 1 games I have played that were available on Linux were very cumbersome to install. They required downloading the binaries from the Internet, and coping certain files from the CD in order to install the game. Steam will make the install and update process clean, making it easy on users and developers. There are many gamer's out there who run Windows only because they have too. If the option of Linux was a valid option, they would make the jump.

With Windows 8 out in the wild now, it is clear Microsoft has plans to have there own distribution store that they could force all development companies to start using it. This could drive the companies to Mac and Linux.

Next year has the high potential of bringing the popular games and applications to Linux which will make it a viable option to Windows or Mac. With the shift in the last few years to more Cloud based applications and services, the applications tying people down to Windows is growing smaller and smaller.

I look forward to 2013 with great anticipation. Please let me know your thoughts. Leave me your comments below.