Macintosh computer co-creator Bill Atkinson passes away.
Obituary: Bill Atkinson, Pioneering Apple Engineer, Passes Away at 74
Bill Atkinson, a former Apple engineer who played a pivotal role in the development of the Macintosh computer and the Apple Lisa, passed away on June 5, 2023, at his home in California. He was 74 years old.
Atkinson was the 51st employee at Apple and was instrumental in shaping the early days of Apple's computer development. His work significantly impacted the accessibility of computers for regular users.
The New York Times reported about Atkinson's contributions to Apple, particularly in the development of the Macintosh. Atkinson himself claimed that the Apple Lisa, introduced in the early 1980s, helped establish the idea that computers could be used by everyone.
Atkinson's software enabled a new visual approach, first used on the Apple Lisa and Macintosh, making them accessible to millions of users without special skills. This software included the creation of MacPaint, one of the first graphic editing programs for the Mac, which showcased the system’s GUI capabilities.
Stephen Levy, author of "Insanely Great", described Bill Atkinson as "a true visionary". In a tribute, Levy compared Atkinson's contributions to the development of the Macintosh to inventing the wheel. Tim Cook, Apple CEO, wrote that Atkinson's work on the Mac was "inspiring".
Atkinson was part of a team of key engineers involved in the creation of the Macintosh computer. Jef Raskin initiated the Macintosh project in late 1978 with the vision of a user-friendly, low-cost computer. Bill Atkinson, initially part of the Apple Lisa team, played a crucial role by introducing Raskin to Burrell Smith, who helped build the Macintosh prototype. Steve Jobs took over the Macintosh project in January 1981 and drove its completion, incorporating concepts seen at Xerox PARC such as the GUI, menus, drag-and-drop, and direct manipulation metaphors, which became hallmark features of the Mac operating system.
The development of the Macintosh significantly impacted the accessibility of computers for regular users. The New York Times reported about Atkinson's contributions to Apple, highlighting his role in making the Macintosh’s GUI functional and appealing through his pioneering software contributions.
Atkinson's passing was announced on Facebook by his family. His contributions to the world of technology will not be forgotten.
References:
- The Macintosh Project
- MacPaint
- Jef Raskin
- Burrell Smith
- Steve Wozniak
technology played a crucial role in Atkinson's work, particularly in the development of the Macintosh, which introduced a new visual approach made possible by his pioneering software. This technology, such as the software he created for MacPaint, significantly impacted computer accessibility for regular users.
Atkinson's passed away, but his contribution to new technology, especially in the development of the Macintosh, will not be forgotten.
