Ha Ha Ha Ha......i've just scan read the last five posts and its a comedy for sure.
What we lost or more what everyone lost was control. The bankers got wind that computers = cash and could do more than print cheques at the end of the month.
Once that "cat was out of the bag", the bankers made sure the people would consume the computer rather than "Think! what if!", now its "Don't Think! Enjoy!".
There is no way back, no bank worth its salt will fund innovation in a field of conformity.
Find something the Bankers can't see money in yet, there is where you will find your next learning nirvana, computers are dead.

PS Linux isn't ready for the desktop but Vmware View is.