This book provides extensive, comprehensive biographical information on one of technology's most important innovators-Steve Jobs. Steve Jobs was a visionary entrepreneur who contributed immeasurably to information technology, changing not only the way we do business but also the way we communicate and share information. His company, Apple, founded in 1976 with Steve Wozniak, eventually launched the Macintosh computer in 1984, with a graphical user interface that competed with the early versions of Microsoft Windows. This reference biography sheds light on Jobs's departure from Apple in 1985, his extraordinary comeback in 1997, and his innovations in the meantime, which included the founding of the computer animation company Pixar. Jobs and Apple went on to launch the iPod, iTunes, the iPhone, and the iPad. Author Michael Becraft has distilled the vast literature on Jobs into a concise but vivid portrait of the man, his vision, the controversies that have swirled around him, and his lasting impact on business, culture, and society. Arranged chronologically, the book includes extensive primary sources and is written to be accessible to a wide range of readers. Additionally, it incorporates images that heighten reader engagement, provides a timeline for referencing Jobs's achievements across his lifetime, and supplies an extensive bibliography for those seeking original source documents. Provides detailed biographical information that benefits and appeals to a wide audience Includes not only praise for Jobs but criticism to offer a balanced portrait Incorporates information from Jobs's speeches and writings Includes charts and graphs related to home computing and Apple in comparison to competitors

The cofounder of Microsoft, Bill Gates helped transform society by ushering in the era of ubiquitous personal computing. This book examines the life and achievements of this standout American inventor and philanthropist. Bill Gates has been instrumental in creating and developing the home computing era that has thoroughly transformed nearly every aspect of our lives, from work to commerce to communication. Stepping down as CEO of Microsoft in 2000 after 25 years at the helm, he remained as chairman, a position he still holds. This book paints a vivid picture of Bill Gates that covers his early life and his years as an inquisitive and adventurous student to his experiences as a budding entrepreneur and billionaire philanthropist who has often been listed among the richest individuals in the world. Author Michael Becraft presents complete information on how Microsoft evolved, from the company's inception until Gates's departure from active leadership; documents the economic, ethical, financial, legal, management, and leadership applications inherent in Gates's work; and examines the criticism that Gates's actions and decisions have drawn throughout his career. Provides a balanced and unbiased account of Bill Gates that includes his own writings as well as criticisms of Gates's management style that allows readers to reach their own conclusions Documents Gates's philanthropic activities and commitment to dispersing some of his accumulated wealth to help those in need worldwide Includes images, timelines, and charts and graphs that enrich the reading experience as well as an extensive bibliography that provides researchers with easy access to original source documents