Final answer:
The development of open-source operating systems like Linux has changed the economics of the high-tech industry by promoting collaboration, reducing reliance on proprietary software, and fostering a sense of community.
Step-by-step explanation:
The development of open-source operating systems like Linux has had a significant impact on the economics of the high-tech industry. Prior to the rise of open-source operating systems, proprietary operating systems were dominant in the market, which meant that their source code was closed and owned by specific companies. This limited the ability of software developers and users to modify, distribute, and share the operating system.
However, with the emergence of open-source operating systems like Linux, the source code is freely available to the public, allowing anyone to view, modify, distribute, and contribute to the development of the operating system. This has led to a more collaborative and decentralized approach to software development.
One key impact of this shift to open-source operating systems is that it has reduced the reliance on proprietary software and enabled the adoption of open standards. By embracing open-source operating systems, companies and individuals can customize and tailor the operating system to their specific needs, reducing dependence on specific vendors and potentially lowering costs. Additionally, open-source operating systems foster a sense of community and collaboration within the technology industry, as developers can freely share their knowledge and contribute to the improvement of the operating system.