Technowire

19th Century:

Charles Babbage (1837): Conceptualized the Analytical Engine, an early mechanical general-purpose computer (1837). Mid-19th Century:

20th Century

Ada Lovelace (1852): Wrote the first algorithm intended to be processed by a machine (mid-1800s). 20th Century:

Grace Hopper (1952):

Developed the first compiler (1952). Contributed to the development of early computers like the UNIVAC I. William Shockley (1910-1989):

transistor

Co-invented the transistor (1947), a fundamental component of modern electronics. Received the Nobel Prize in Physics (1956) for his work on semiconductors.

Gordon Moore (1965):

Co-founded Intel Corporation (1968). Formulated "Moore's Law" (1965) predicting exponential growth in computing power. Late 20th Century:

Bill Gates

(1955-present): Co-founded Microsoft (1975). Played a significant role in the development of the personal computer industry. Engaged in philanthropic efforts through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

Steve Wozniak (1950-present) and Steve Jobs (1955-2011):

Co-founded Apple Inc. (1976). Developed the Apple I and Macintosh computers, contributing to the personal computer revolution. Linus Torvalds (1969-present):

Linux

Created the Linux kernel (1991), a cornerstone of open-source software. Larry Page (1973-present) and Sergey Brin (1973-present):

1963-present

Co-founded Google (1998), revolutionizing internet search and web technology. Kevin Mitnick (1963-present):

Kevin Mitnick (1963-present)

Gained notoriety as a computer hacker and later became a cybersecurity consultant. Height of legal troubles in the 1990s brought attention to computer security. 21st Century:

Mark Zuckerberg (1984-present):

Co-founded Facebook (now Meta Platforms, Inc.) (2004), transforming social networking. Chad Hurley (1977-present), Steve Chen (1978-present), and Jawed Karim (1979-present): Co-founded YouTube (2005), revolutionizing online video sharing and streaming. Rich Skrenta (1967-present): Created the first computer virus, Elk Cloner (1982), contributing to early malware awareness.