Without Linux and its kin (BSD and, especially, UNIX), the Internet would be a mere shadow of what it currently is, IF it would even exist at all.

All this talk I always hear about the fabled "Year of Linux" always fails to mention the little fact that, without Linux and Open-Source technology, a lot of the tech we have today would not exist or would be prohibitively expensive.

So enough of this sensationalist hype, OK? The Year of Linux came when the Internet took off, and we've been living in the Year (or years) of Linux ever since. When Microsoft and Apple can compete with the Internet, then it will be their year. Until then, let them play catch-up.