The internet, video games, social media, laptops, and smart phones — our daily lives have changed dramatically with the advent and development of technology-based products. But we wouldn’t have these things without the people who wrote the code, built the machines, and guided the evolution of those computer technologies we so easily take for granted today. There are surely more than thirty influential computer scientists who could have been included on this list, but the following men and women were chosen based upon the following criteria.
Leadership: Each of the people on this list are leaders in their field, and most have either founded or run a successful technology company. Many of these scientists are also current or former academics at top universities.
Applicability: While most of the ideas and products credited to the people on this list are used by large percentages of the world’s population, those whose innovations have directly improved the lives of large numbers of people were given higher priority when it came to ordering this list.
Awards & Recognition: Many of the computer scientists and products on this list have been recognized by various groups for their contributions to both technology and society.
Other: Those individuals with other notable accomplishments such as personal circumstances or educational background were also considered.
Leadership: Each of the people on this list are leaders in their field, and most have either founded or run a successful technology company. Many of these scientists are also current or former academics at top universities.
Applicability: While most of the ideas and products credited to the people on this list are used by large percentages of the world’s population, those whose innovations have directly improved the lives of large numbers of people were given higher priority when it came to ordering this list.
Awards & Recognition: Many of the computer scientists and products on this list have been recognized by various groups for their contributions to both technology and society.
Other: Those individuals with other notable accomplishments such as personal circumstances or educational background were also considered.