Final answer:
The development of open source operating systems like Linux, created by Linus Torvalds, greatly changed the economics of high tech by providing a free, customizable alternative to proprietary distributions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The development of open source operating systems like Linux, created by Linus Torvalds, greatly changed the economics of high tech. Prior to open source operating systems, operating systems were tightly controlled by manufacturers and software businesses, who often charged high prices for their proprietary distributions. Linux, being free and open-source, disrupted this model by providing an alternative that could be freely distributed and customized by users.
This change in economics had several significant impacts. First, it reduced the cost of operating systems for PC manufacturers like IBM and Dell, allowing them to offer more affordable systems and challenge Microsoft's monopoly on the OS market. Second, it led to the development of numerous OS distributions and uses in embedded systems, expanding the options and possibilities for users. Finally, Linux's flexibility and cost-effectiveness made it popular for running file servers, internet routers, and even supercomputers, displacing expensive proprietary systems and transforming the high-tech landscape.