Final answer:
The rise of Linux as an open source operating system disrupted the high tech economy by breaking the hold of proprietary, expensive software and enabling cost-effective and customizable technology solutions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The development of open source operating systems like Linux significantly altered the economics of the technology industry. By providing a free and configurable operating system, Linus Torvalds broke the monopoly of costly proprietary systems. Organizations could now build powerful computer systems, such as supercomputers and internet routers, at a fraction of the cost of using proprietary software. This democratised access to technology, allowing entities that couldn't afford the expensive licenses of UNIX-based systems from companies like IBM, SGI, or Sun Microsystems, to still leverage the power of an advanced operating system. Linux's compatibility with a wide variety of hardware made it a popular choice for manufacturers and led to its adoption in many different technological applications, changing the economic landscape by challenging established companies and fostering innovation through community-driven development.