Final answer:
The main difference between free software and open source software lies in their respective philosophies and licensing terms. Both have had significant impacts on the economics of the high tech industry, providing alternatives to proprietary systems and fostering innovation through collaboration.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main difference between free software and open source software lies in their respective philosophies and licensing terms.
Free software refers to software that is distributed with the freedom for users to use, study, modify, and distribute the software as they wish. The free in free software refers to freedom, not necessarily monetary cost.
Open source software, on the other hand, refers to software that is made available with its source code, allowing users to view and modify the code. The primary focus of open source software is on collaborative development and transparency.
Both free software and open source software have had significant impacts on the economics of the high tech industry. For example, the availability of free and open source operating systems like Linux provided alternatives to proprietary systems, reducing the cost of software for individuals and companies. This allowed PC manufacturers to offer cheaper systems and decreased the dependence on expensive proprietary systems. Open source software also fostered innovation and collaboration, attracting a community of developers who contributed to its improvement and functionality.