Ubuntu is apparently losing its mojo

[Sushubh]

Ubuntu sees massive slide in popularity, Mint sprints ahead ... but why? | ZDNet

Taking the stats for the last 30 days and comparing them to the averages for 2010 show that Ubuntu’s popularity is down 47.2%, while Mint is up a whopping 105%.

My explanation for Mint’s rise and Ubuntu’s decline isn’t exciting but i think it’s closer to the truth than the whole Unity business. Ubuntu got too popular and it tied to become all things to all Linux users. I’ve used both Ubuntu and Mint, and to me the Mint distro seems better suited to Linux fans (you know, the people who have been using Linux for years). Canonical Ubuntu have tried too hard over the years to make Ubuntu mainstream and appeal to the masses, and by going down this road have alienated its hardcore users. And now it’s paying the price.

Try to please everyone, and pretty soon you please no one.

 

[gadgetcrazy]

I think Ubuntu has the most user friendly (read windows like) GUI amongst all the distros. That would account for its popularity among the new converts.

 

[Sai]

1.Please don't believe the stat provided by Distrowatch2. Mint is based on Ubuntu. Which means if Mint gets more users, Ubuntu also gets more users.

 

[Deleted member 10390]

Mint got a new release today, never tried it. Is it better than Ubuntu ? Planning to install Linux as dual boot.

 

[Sushubh]

1.Please don't believe the stat provided by Distrowatch
2. Mint is based on Ubuntu. Which means if Mint gets more users, Ubuntu also gets more users.


Mint is to Ubuntu what Amazon Kindle Fire is to Android based Tablets.

 

[manu1991]

the only problem I had with mint was that it wasn't possible to upgrade to a newer version directly. you had to re install. is it resolved now?also, regarding the stats, these are purely hits on the distro watch page. so isn't it possible that more experienced users are now using ubuntu? if i had to install ubuntu i'd go directly to their site, not to distrowatch.

 

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[Deleted member 10390]

I have tried Ubuntu, very nice OS in my opinion but a lot to improve if planning to compete with Windows.

 

[Sushubh]

competing with windows? windows is losing the war. haven't you heard that Apple is pretty close to overtaking HP to become the world's largest personal computer vendor...

 

[Deleted member 10390]

That is all just open source PR work. Windows still remains the most supported and popular platform in the world. You get drivers and tools that no other OS has got. And branded PCs make only a small part of market. Most are assembled. Apple can do better if they choose to sell OS and allow others to make hardware too. But they are like the Ghar me pada he sona kind of people. They like to have everything.

 

[Sushubh]

actually you are missing the point. ipad is considered a personal computer and Apple is selling them in truckloads. most people do not have any need to know what OS they are using. things have changed. people have simple needs that are fulfilled by simple devices. ipad is doing what netbooks and linux failed to do. provide a simple personal computing experience. apple's total sales of ipads and macs and macbooks are pretty close to overtaking total sales of computers by hewlett packard. so basically apple is all set to become the world's largest personal computer maker. it's true.