Final answer:
The development of Linux as an open-source operating system reduced technology costs and led to versatile uses, displacing expensive proprietary systems and reshaping the high-tech market.
Step-by-step explanation:
The development of open-source operating systems like Linux massively changed the economics of the high-tech industry. By providing a free alternative to expensive UNIX systems, Linux allowed for a significant reduction in costs for both individuals and enterprises. Programmers could tailor the Linux kernel to meet specific needs, which led to a proliferation of OS distributions such as Red Hat, Debian, and Ubuntu. This flexibility coupled with the cost-effectiveness of Linux made it extremely popular for a variety of uses, including running file servers and internet routers, effectively replacing costly proprietary systems. Large organizations like NASA leveraged Linux to create powerful clusters of networked PCs, presenting a competitive challenge to proprietary supercomputers. The shift towards Linux also meant that companies heavily invested in proprietary systems, like Sun and SGI, faced rapid erosion of their market share.