Final answer:
The development of open source operating systems like Linux, such as the Linux kernel, has changed the economics of high tech by providing a free alternative to expensive proprietary operating systems, offering customization and flexibility to programmers, and lowering barriers to entry for smaller tech companies and startups.
Step-by-step explanation:
The development of open source operating systems like Linux has changed the economics of high tech in several ways.
- Firstly, it provided a free alternative to expensive proprietary operating systems like UNIX, Windows, and Solaris. This allowed individuals and organizations to save money on software licensing fees.
- Secondly, open source operating systems allowed for customization and flexibility. With Linux, programmers could modify the code to suit their specific needs, resulting in more efficient and tailored solutions.
- Lastly, the availability of open source operating systems like Linux lowered the barriers to entry for smaller tech companies and startups. They could leverage the existing open source software and focus their resources on innovation rather than building everything from scratch.