Those working on Linux between 9 and 5 are likely at the office.
Those working on Linux between 9 and 5 are likely at the office.
Hello everyone, I hope you're all well. I've been thinking about operating systems in both personal and professional settings. It's hard to believe how many people use Linux at the office. Question: Are there any users of desktop Linux at work? Most of my previous roles have given me Windows or Mac. Yet I really enjoy Linux—do you know anyone who has used desktop Linux professionally? Some friends are fortunate enough to work with it, and I still wish for a day when I don't see ads about celebrities or worry about personal issues while logging in. Looking forward to your responses soon.
Previously - from 1998 to 2008. My role was in a next-gen telecom NOC. We used a non-unix OS for our network team because ssh integration with Windows was poor, virtual desktops weren't available, and most monitoring tools were written in TCL/TK. At first we had three hot-seat stations; during shifts you'd grab the nearest one, log in with your profile, and start the monitoring software. Later, even after leaving the hot seats, running Linux still made sense for some colleagues who used different BSD flavors. But it became clear that every machine was connected to the network, and we all shared responsibility for its security and operation—so each device functioned like any other production unit. There was an instance when a lightning strike damaged my laptop's Ethernet port. For a week after the new motherboard arrived, my connection was limited to a null-modem cable to the 1720 Cisco machine beside my desk. We had only one Windows box in the department, which we needed to run proprietary management software for equipment that couldn't support SSH/serial or run reliably on Wine. Nowadays – I don’t mind much – I work mostly in browsers and would use any OS as long as it has sufficient RAM.
In the workplace we rely on specific software rather than operating systems. The choice of applications depends on several factors, mainly how well they fit employee workflows. Productivity is a key consideration, and OS compatibility often determines which system gets adopted. Windows remains the most common choice, largely because many businesses prefer it and because many tools are designed for it. Employees and IT teams tend to be more comfortable with Microsoft products, which adds to its appeal. Using Linux is unlikely to become widespread, as most commercial programs are built for Windows. While some alternatives exist on Mac or Linux, they usually require additional effort or pose challenges. In fields with strong Apple support, Apple products may see more adoption. However, many sectors still depend heavily on Windows. The shift toward web-based solutions could eventually alter this trend.
Your Windows laptop is handling Windows tasks, while you work mostly in Ubuntu environments. That’s acceptable. For WSL you’ll need special authorization, and some apps won’t install unless they’re from the Software Center. The security team likely enforces these restrictions for safety reasons.
SME ERP is a Windows application, yet it supports cloud deployment or terminal access via RDP. The Windows terminal service performs excellently, while Linux server setups lack the same reliability and simplicity. Many office professionals rely on AD+, MS Office, Outlook, and Exchange. For alternatives, Linux offers robust groupware options that meet their needs. As a consulting firm, we operate 24/7 with Linux for remote client management, using tools like Nextcloud, LibreOffice, Firefox, and Thunderbird. Most users have a dual-boot setup to run Windows 10 or 11 for particular jobs—such as Apple iTunes. Linux provides a sense of control, empowering users instead of relying on large corporations like Microsoft.
I was handling database testing on a Unix-based platform during the mid to late 90s. After leaving that role in 2001, I didn’t use any Unix or Linux systems until 2022 when I restored a laptop for personal use. That experience suggests yes, technically, but the machine isn’t in regular service anymore and I mostly rely on Windows now.
At my previous positions I used Windows laptops, but I often connect to a more powerful Linux server for remote access. Staying within the Linux environment helps me share files more easily. Most of my time is spent in Linux settings, though I keep my personal data secure on Windows for email and other sensitive tasks.
Unfortunately not where I work, but a lot of what I use are just apps essentially. There are things like Citrix Workspace (which does run on Linux) which allows you to run various programs, even a full fledged desktop. I don't work in IT, but I am assuming that this is all just VMs, or app containers? I can remote in (VPN) on my Linux desktop and through something like Citrix Workspace just run various apps that essentially do not have Linux support. IMHO think VMs and app contraindication are slowly making it harder to justify Windows in the workplace. Again I don't work in IT, I'm just basing it off what I see/interpret. I wonder if one of the bigger issues is Active Directory? I've heard that there is no equivalent to AD in the Linux desktop world. I am curious if this is one of the big reasons for keeping Windows in the workplace?
Maybe the absence of AD poses the main drawback of Macs in office settings. With more apps moving online, Linux might begin to enter workplaces. Departments like HR, marketing, sales, admin and support could adopt it. It’s likely people wonder if the cost savings from Windows licenses would offset the complexity of handling a mixed OS system.