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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).
Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.
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From enduser perspective the most visible change would be that all software wouldn't be hostile to users because with propreitary you have to be very picky to get that.
In the long term we would see that companies could not build walled gardens to block off competition. Contrast Windows & MacOS vs Linux with its different distros, DEs, toolkits etc.
The least difference would be for enterprise because support is expensive either way.
A significant decrease in the amount of surplus value society produces going towards tech companies producing proprietary software, whicj is most of them. Basically the costs of using software for a whole lotta things are gonna get lower. This would make that society's products cheaper for itself and export. It would allow its labour to do more useful things, one of which could be new FOSS software. But also helping out with the green transition, taking care of the ageing population, education, etc.
Realistically, probably not much for people outside of the tech industry. People will use the best tool for the job, and whether it's foss or not won't matter.
People are morons. They use Facebook and whatsapp and they think macos is the greatest. Best tool for the job my ass.
The scalability problem with FOSS is monetary and motivation.
The successful products need longterm financial security in order to plan and support their peoduct(s) - so, do we start seeing more subscriptions as corp. sponsorship fades away?
And, just like XKCD 2347, FOSS needs to step up and support the components they rely on
That's going to need some more maturity from the developers too: it's a great feeling doing something new and interesting, but - like having a pet - you can't just abandon something when you're bored of it, or too busy, without rehoming your project(s)...
That's where I see the industry needs to improve before they're really ready for the big time.
Politicians will likely take a more active role in screwing it up.
more people contributing to the code