Date of Birth | Nationality | Residence | Education | Occupation |
---|---|---|---|---|
June 4, 1943 | American | California | UC Berkeley | Computer Hardware Pioneer |
Charles P. Thacker was an American computer hardware pioneer who was born on June 4, 1943 in California. He attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he studied mathematics and computer science. Thacker is best known for his work on the Alto, the first personal computer developed at Xerox PARC, and for his role in the development of the first tablet computer, the GRiDPad.
Thacker was a key figure in the development of the Ethernet, a networking protocol that is still widely used today. He also worked on the development of the first laser printer, the Xerox 9700. Thacker was a recipient of the Turing Award in 2009 for his contributions to the development of personal computing.
Thacker was a Fellow of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and a member of the National Academy of Engineering. He was also a member of the Computer History Museum's Board of Trustees. Thacker passed away on June 12, 2018 at the age of 75.
Charles P. Thacker was born on June 4, 1943 in California. He attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he studied mathematics and computer science. After graduating in 1966, Thacker began working at the Xerox Palo Alto Research Center (PARC).
At PARC, Thacker worked on the Alto, the first personal computer developed at the facility. He was also involved in the development of the first tablet computer, the GRiDPad. Thacker was a key figure in the development of the Ethernet, a networking protocol that is still widely used today. He also worked on the development of the first laser printer, the Xerox 9700.
Thacker's career spanned more than four decades. After leaving PARC in 1979, he went on to work at Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC), where he worked on the development of the DEC Alpha processor. He then moved to Microsoft in 1997, where he worked on the development of the Windows NT operating system.
Thacker left Microsoft in 1999 and went on to work at Compaq, where he worked on the development of the first 64-bit processor, the Alpha 21264. He then moved to Google in 2005, where he worked on the development of the Chrome OS.
Thacker was a Fellow of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and a member of the National Academy of Engineering. He was also a member of the Computer History Museum's Board of Trustees.
Thacker was a close friend of computer scientist and Turing Award winner Alan Kay. He was also a mentor to computer scientist and Turing Award winner Butler Lampson.
Thacker was known for his wit and wisdom. He was quoted as saying:
"The best way to predict the future is to invent it."
Thacker was not known to be involved in any controversies or criticisms.
Thacker was an avid sailor and enjoyed sailing in his spare time.
Thacker was a recipient of the Turing Award in 2009 for his contributions to the development of personal computing. He passed away on June 12, 2018 at the age of 75.