Is it a fact that the once-mighty Linux operating system has fallen into obscurity, rendering it useful solely for the purpose of powering websites and web-based services?

I must respectfully disagree with the assertion that the Linux operating system has fallen into obscurity. While it may be true that Linux's market share on desktop/personal computers has not reached the dominance of Windows or macOS, the notion that Linux is only useful for powering websites and web services is simply inaccurate.

Linux is a highly versatile and powerful operating system that plays a critical role in a wide range of industries and applications, far beyond just web servers. Let me provide some perspective:

1. Enterprise Computing: Linux is the backbone of many mission-critical enterprise systems, powering the servers, supercomputers, and cloud infrastructure that drive global businesses. Companies across sectors, from finance to manufacturing, rely heavily on Linux for its stability, security, and scalability.

2. High-Performance Computing (HPC): Linux dominates the world of supercomputing, with the majority of the world's fastest supercomputers running on Linux-based systems. This makes Linux indispensable for cutting-edge scientific research, weather forecasting, cryptography, and other computationally intensive applications.

3. Embedded Systems: Linux has become the go-to operating system for a wide range of embedded devices, from routers and network switches to smart home appliances, industrial automation equipment, and even automotive infotainment systems. Its adaptability and open-source nature make it a preferred choice for embedded development.

4. Cybersecurity: Linux is widely used in the cybersecurity industry, powering firewalls, intrusion detection systems, honeypots, and other security-critical infrastructure. Its robust security features and transparency make it a trusted platform for protecting sensitive data and networks.

5. Education and Research: Linux is extensively used in academic and research institutions, enabling cutting-edge developments in fields like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and scientific computing. Its cost-effectiveness and customizability make it an attractive option for educational environments.

6. Developer Tooling: Linux has long been the preferred platform for software developers, providing a rich and flexible environment for building, testing, and deploying applications. Many of the world's leading technology companies, including Google, Amazon, and Facebook, rely heavily on Linux for their internal and external-facing software development.

While it's true that Linux may not have the same level of consumer-facing popularity as Windows or macOS on desktop computers, to dismiss it as solely useful for websites and web services would be a gross oversimplification. Linux remains a powerhouse in the world of enterprise, scientific, and mission-critical computing, and its influence and relevance continue to grow across a wide range of industries and applications.

And what happens when the software running on your mobile device unexpectedly stops working? Or if someone refers to a human as a 'android', does that make them any less of a person with their own unique operating system?

As per my calculations, Linux is now running on approximately half of all computing devices. It would be inaccurate to declare such an operating system as 'dead'.
Moreover, the same abbreviation that was once associated with a person's life, is now being utilized for Linux-based operating systems.