Final answer:
Microsoft Windows and macOS are examples of operating system software from Microsoft Corporation and Apple Inc., respectively. The advent of Linux as an open source operating system disrupted the high-tech economy, offering a free alternative to proprietary systems and fostering innovation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Two examples of operating system software are Microsoft Windows, developed by Microsoft Corporation, and macOS, developed by Apple Inc. Microsoft Windows started out with DOS and evolved into the Windows family of operating systems. Apple's macOS, originally known as Mac OS X, is another major operating system used widely in personal computing.
Impact of Open Source Operating Systems
The development of open source operating systems, particularly Linux, transformed the economics of the high-tech industry. Prior to Linux, operating systems, which act as the bridge between hardware and software applications, were almost exclusively proprietary and costly. Companies like IBM, Sun Microsystems, and Microsoft controlled the market with their own versions.
Linux, created by Linus Torvalds, introduced a new paradigm with its free and open source nature. This enabled a more collaborative development environment and promoted innovation. Businesses were able to reduce costs by using Linux for servers, embedded systems, and even on personal computers. Major PC manufacturers like IBM and Dell started offering Linux as an alternative to break Microsoft's monopoly on operating systems. Moreover, supercomputing took a leap forward as clusters of PCs running Linux rivaled traditional supercomputers, fundamentally changing market dynamics and reducing the relevancy of proprietary systems.