Back in the Dark Ages of MS-DOS, most x86 computers came with a BASIC interpreter. While these early interpreters were terrible (BASIC originally stood for BASIC Allows SpaghettI Code, after all), MS-DOS 5.0 introduced QBASIC, an interpreter that made it possible to write non-trivial BASIC programs without using any GOTOs at all.
Many preteen nerds and geeks learned how to program using QBASIC. Many of these geeks are now writing Open Source software. Ironically, it is a Microsoft program that inspired many Linux hackers.
Not anymore, though. QBASIC and it's older brother, QuickBASIC, are now obsolete, relegated to some obscure directory (if you're lucky) on the Windows or TechNet CD-ROM. Microsoft's current incarnation of BASIC, Visual Basic, costs hundreds of dollars. Microsoft doesn't bundle a stripped down version of VB with Windows like it did QBASIC with DOS (although just about everything else is bundled in Windows, except maybe a kitchen sink (slated for release with Windows 2002)).
What's a preteen proto-hacker to do? If they use Windows, not much. They might be able to use the BASIC macro language that comes with Office (why bother?), but, unless they're willing to spend money on a compiler, programming options are limited. Future possible Open Source hackers are being squandered by Redmond's refusal to bundle a free version of BASIC (or any language, for that matter) with their mega-OS. Preteens are content to play Quake and Alpha Centauri instead of hacking code like us oldtimers did. It's a shame, really.
The conspiracy doesn't end there. Most high schools no longer teach programming courses; instead they have "computer science" (sic) classes on using Windows or Office. Indeed, it would appear that many schools receive discounts on Microsoft programs if they agree not to teach any programming classes or classes on using non-Microsoft programs. Programming is becoming a lost art. An increasing number of computer users trust Microsoft exclusively to produce their software. The Do-It-Yourself attitude that makes Open Source so strong is dwindling in future generations.
Linux could be doomed by a lack of future talent. It's a shame, really.