Actually it all started with HW that was fully controlled by the owner. Moreover in de beginning the software came free with the HW. Problem was that the average Joe could not afford the HW (or did not have enough electric power to operate). Later every PC was more or less “open”, everybody could build one with standardized parts (mainly from Taiwan). After a while the big companies got gradually more control starting with Intel/MS - EFI/EUFI. All for your protection …
Conclusion: New technology starts mostly free, commercial control comes when things get mainstream and is a strong force (with lots of propaganda as “for your own good”)