"Linux Kernel
"This is a given, granted, but we couldn't form a list of what open source does right without including the brainchild of Linus Torvalds. What started as a learning experience for the young programmer has now grown into a fully fledged rival for the likes of Microsoft and Apple.
"It's easy to see the benefits of Linux. Many heads working together to make something perfect. Hundreds of thousands of beta testers out there, running different combinations of architecture, seeing what works and fixing what doesn't. It's communist computer heaven.
"One only has to imagine how much better Windows or OSX could be if those skilled geeks that spend their time hacking the OS were allowed to consult, improve and stabilise it.
"For this reason, Linux is the cornerstone of open source."
