Bob Wallace (computer scientist)
Bob Wallace | |
|---|---|
Arlington, Virginia | |
| Died | September 20, 2002 (aged 53) |
| Known for | 9th Microsoft employee Creator of PC-Write Founder of Quicksoft |
| Spouse | Megan Dana-Wallace |
Bob Wallace (May 29, 1949 – September 20, 2002) was an American software developer, programmer and the ninth
Biography
Bob Wallace was born in
Beginning in 1967, Wallace attended Brown University, where he worked on the pioneering hypertext File Retrieval and Editing System with Andries van Dam and Ted Nelson.[3] After attending the University of California, Santa Cruz for two years (where he briefly majored in theatre), he received his undergraduate degree (1974) and master's degree (1978) in computer science from the University of Washington.[4]
Wallace worked at the Retail Computer Store in
In 1983, Wallace left Microsoft to form Quicksoft and distribute PC-Write using the shareware concept, which he helped originate.[7][8]
In 1996, Wallace and his wife Megan Dana-Wallace, started Mind Books-a bookstore that offered publications about psychoactive plants and compounds. In 1998, they started the Promind Foundation, which helped support scientific research, public education, and harm reduction efforts related to psychedelics.
Wallace also served on the Board of Directors for the
Unexpectedly, he died of pneumonia in San Rafael, California at the age of 53. On hearing of Wallace's death, Paul Allen was quoted as saying, "I remember Bob as a gentle soul who was soft-spoken, but creative, persistent and meticulous in his programming and thinking."
Northwest Computer Society
The March 1976 issues of Byte magazine had a notice about a new computer club in Seattle. Bob Wallace was listed as a contact person.[10] The Northwest Computer Club held meetings at the Pacific Science Center (near Seattle's Space Needle.)
Bob wrote a column for the newsletter called "Bob's Bits". From the February 1978 column:
"Microsoft is hiring systems programmer to work on
8086as well as operating systems and other interesting projects. Applicants should have at least a bachelor's degree and a year of assembly language experience. Contact Paul Allen at (505) 262-1486, or write to them at 300 San Mateo NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108. Microsoft is the leader in microcomputer systems programming. I've applied myself, by the way."
One of Bob's club projects was to hold a Personal Computer Fair at the Pacific Science Center. The April 1978 show drew over 5000 people and had over 60 computers on display for visitors to use. Shortly after that show, Bob finished his degree and joined Microsoft in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Fair was repeated in March 1979 and drew over 6000 people.
See also
References
- ^ a b Mclellan, Dennis (September 27, 2002). "Bob Wallace, 53; Pioneer in Computer Software". Los Angeles Times. p. B–15.
- ^ "Take Our Word For It". Words to the Wise, Issue 176. The Institute for Etymological Research and Education. 2002-11-14. Retrieved 2008-09-08.
- ^ ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2016-05-26.
- Brown Alumni Magazine.
- ISBN 0-671-88074-8. "Bob Wallace was a programmer, organizer, counterculture figure, and employee of Seattle's laid-back Retail Computer Store."
- ISBN 0-385-42075-7.
- ISSN 0199-6649.
- ISSN 0199-6649.
- ^ Interlandi, Jeneen (July 2, 2008). "A Really Long Strange Trip". Newsweek. Retrieved December 20, 2008.
- ^ "Clubs and Newsletters: Seattle Club Activity". 1 (7). Internet Archive. Byte. March 1976: 74.
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External links
- Bob Wallace Vault, Erowid
- Biography of Bob Wallace at Seattle Times
- Bob Wallace biography (as a PDF file)