Final answer:
The development of open source operating systems like Linux has changed the economics of high tech by reducing costs and providing more options for consumers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The development of open source operating systems like Linux, created by Linus Torvalds, has significantly changed the economics of high tech. Prior to the emergence of open source OS, proprietary systems dominated the market, leading to higher costs for consumers and limited choice. However, Linux's open-source nature allowed for free distribution and easy configurability, attracting a large community of developers and users. This led to a reduction in the cost of high-tech systems, as PC manufacturers adopted Linux as an alternative to proprietary operating systems. Linux also disrupted the markets for workstations and servers, as clusters of off-the-shelf PCs running Linux could rival the computing power of expensive supercomputers.