Computer Innovator and Visionary Steve Jobs Dies

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Steve Jobs, the Apple, Inc., co-founder and CEO

Stephen Paul Jobs, popularly known as Steve Jobs, the co-founder and recently-retired CEO of the Apple, Inc., died on October 5 near San Francisco, California, of a rare pancreatic cancer first diagnosed in 1984. He was only 56 years old.

U.S. President Barack Obama in a message of tribute to this computer technology innovator and visionary said: “Steve was among the greatest of American innovators – brave enough to think differently, bold enough to believe he could change the world, and talented enough to do it.”

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates said: “The world rarely sees someone who has had the profound impact Steve has had, the effects of which will be felt for many generations to come. For those of us lucky enough to get to work with him, it’s been insanely great honour.”

Steve Jobs’ biological parents were Abdulfattah “John” Jandali, a Syrian Muslim immigrant and Joanne Shieble (later Simpson), an American. They were studying in the university when Steve Jobs was born in San Francisco out of wedlock on February 24, 1955.

This newborn child was immediately given up for adoption to Paul and Clara Jobs. The adoptive parents named the child ‘Stephen Paul Jobs.’

Steve Jobs graduated from Homestead High School in Cupertino, California, and joined Reed College in Portland, Oregon, in 1972. He found the classes boring and after a semester dropped out of the college never to return to any formal education. 

In 1996, with his friend Steve Wozniak, he started the Apple Computer Company. Their first venture Apple I computer was not successful. Their second venture, Apple II computer, in 1984, was successful because it was small in size and appropriate for home use. Before this, computers were quite large and heavy and were mainly used by professionals – business organizations and scientific and educational institutions.

The Apple III computer (1980) and Lisa computer (1983) were not well received in the market. Moreover, the company faced competition with IBM’s personal computers (PCs) and was losing money with its new models of computers. 

In 1998, the Apple marketed its elegantly designed iMac computers which were popular with customers. Gradually the company was turning around and making more money.

In 2001, this company introduced its ipod, an ultra-light and easily portable music player, that became extremely popular with the young people. 

In 2007, with the introduction of iPhone, a revolution came in cell phone system with multiple task possibility. 

In 2010, the Apple introduced iPad tablet computer that took the company to a new level.

Behind all these innovations, was the dynamic spirit of Steve Jobs. 

The following quotation taken from Steve Jobs’ commencement address to the graduating students of Standford University, California on June 12, 2005 is worth noting: “Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”