According to Net Applications, the market share of Windows dropped from 93.34% in June 2007 to 90.89% in June 2008, representing a difference of 2.45%. Mac gained 1.91% in the same time period and now has a market share of 7.94%. Linux’s market share is 0.8%, which corresponds to a difference of 0.37%. Net Applications obtained this data by monitoring access to websites, thus we are specifically talking about market shares on desktops. According to the headlines of some news sites, the situation seems to be much more dramatic. Apple’s improvement corresponds to a growth of 32%, certainly a respectable success for Apple.

However, contrary to other commentators I am quite surprised that Windows did not lose more of its market share. There are two factors to consider here: first, Vista’s extremely bad image, and second, the hype regarding the iPod and the iPhone. In my opinion, one major reason for Apple’s advances with its operating system is related to the fact that many iPod and iPhone users learned about the existence of Apple in this way. If you love your white iPod, buying a white MacBook seems to be a natural decision.

Considering the Vista bashing campaign, which is beyond example in the history of computer technology, a loss in market share of 2.45% is extremely low. If you have followed the media coverage about Vista since its release 18 months ago, you must come to the conclusion that with Vista Microsoft’s worst nightmare has come true. Nobody likes Vista, but all are raving for OS X. Personally, I do believe that Apple made some significant advances with its latest OS. But, I also think that its alleged advantages over Vista are often a bit exaggerated.

The interesting question is: Can Apple can keep up this pace? If so, Microsoft’s monopoly on the desktop is in danger. Of course, we should all welcome this development, as more competition means lower prices and more innovation. Rest assured that I will start covering OS X in this blog if Apple manages to reach a market share of 30%.

Does this sound unlikely? Maybe, but the current hype about Apple might make it possible. Axel Springer, a larger German publisher (10,000 employees), just announced (German) that they will move all of their PCs to Apple computers. I really had to laugh when I heard reason number 3: “Apple produces the most beautiful computers.” Whenever I hear such an argument, my admittedly negative prejudice about Apple is reconfirmed. This company seems mainly to address people with class and style, which rules out my becoming their customer.

And Linux? Well, a market share of 0.8% on desktop computers is not really striking, even though this number corresponds to a growth of almost 100%. I think that this increase is only possible because the absolute numbers are relatively low. All in all, I think that it is better for Microsoft to have two competitors rather than one, because it makes the decision more difficult for third party vendors to support a platform other than Windows. Anyway, I find these changes interesting. I suppose we will know more when Windows 7 comes out.