"It has occurred to me that Flash on Linux is the one major entry barrier controlling acceptance of Linux as a viable desktop operating system."

It has occurred to me that for the past decade, every Linux user has thought his most recent personal itch was the one major entry barrier to Linux desktop domination, and they have all been completely wrong.

The major entry barrier to Linux desktop domination is that even if you're a hardcore Mac or Linux or BSD guy, Windows simply doesn't suck that much. In general, any reasonably competent computer user can sit down at a Windows machine and get his work done. He may have to go out foraging for the right tools, but they're out there, and they're readily accessible.

Meanwhile, there is a vast community of computer users who are NOT reasonably competent, and while they may not be particularly good at getting their work done on Windows, they are EVEN WORSE at getting it done on anything else.

When retarded people can use Linux, you might have a shot at desktop domination. Until then, don't bother.

Microsoft alone employees about three times that "20,000 'more'" figure. Let's not even mention all the OTHER software companies which, all told, probably employe ten, fifteen, maybe twenty times this awesome "20,000" figure. This is a reduction in employment, not an increase. This argument supports creating 'free' (tax payed) versions of a lot of 'commodity' software which pays a lot more than 20,000 salaries.

Also, a government-funded agency with 20,000 software developers might be able to produce Windows 3.1, given the nature of government agencies and mediocrity.

What about space pirates? :(