At first, I generated ideas for my paper and Mr. Perry introduced the subject of Apple computer and Steve Jobs. He talked about how Jobs’ journey mirrored that of a phoenix rising from ashes after experiencing downfall. However, I had limited knowledge on this topic. Eventually, I chose to concentrate on Apple computers but came across a more captivating subject – the achievements of Steve Wozniak. Unlike the famous Steve Jobs, Wozniak interested me as a new and intriguing figure. Being someone with limited understanding of computers myself, I found his approach absolutely fascinating.
Steve Wozniak, who was born in 1950 in suburban Santa Clara Valley, California, developed an early interest in electronics. His father worked as an engineer for Lockheed while his mother held the position of president at a Republican Women’s Club. During his childhood, Wozniak came across a magazine article that featured a diagram for a simple calculator called the One-Bit-Adder-Subtractor. Intrigued by this concept, he carefully studied the plans and made significant improvements to it. Subsequently, Wozniak submitted his creation, known as the Ten Bit Parallel Adder Subtractor, to the Cupertino Science Fair where he emerged victorious and received first prize. This accomplishment marked his initial stride towards computer construction.
This seems to be the start of a promising era of learning. In his junior high years, he self-taught programming in various computer languages. During his time at Homestead High School, he eagerly absorbed knowledge about electronics and physics, surpassing his classmates. After graduating, he enrolled at the University of Colorado but unfortunately failed to meet expectations. The reason being his boredom with school, which he attributed to his high level of intelligence. Nevertheless, upon returning to California, Woz remained fascinated by computers despite his college setback. One of his early passions revolved around the Altair 8800, a computer that was expensive upon its release. To address this, he embarked on research alongside a friend.
Steve Wozniak created the cream soda computer in his neighbor’s garage, where he drank a lot of cream soda. During this time, he met Steve Jobs and although the computer was destroyed during a test, it laid the foundation for a revolutionary machine and a lifelong friendship. Following the introduction of the Altair, the Homebrew Computer Club was formed, attracting hobbyists and amateurs. Wozniak regularly attended their meetings. The Altair used the expensive Intel 8080 microprocessor for its operations, which Wozniak couldn’t afford. However, he was able to obtain the Motorola 6800 microprocessor at a discount through Hewlett Packard, and later switched to the more affordable MOS Technologies 6502 microprocessor. Wozniak believed that using fewer chips and parts would make computers accessible to ordinary people due to their lower costs.
On April fools day in 1976, three men signed an agreement to establish a computer company. Following some negotiation, they decided on a name for the company and the computer. With $1300, obtained from the sale of a VW van and a programmable calculator, they embarked on a new venture. They named it Apple Computer, and their initial product was called the Apple I. However, one of the three men, Ron Wayne, decided to sell his share for only $800, missing out on the opportunity to earn ten percent of the future millions. It is likely that he spent many sleepless nights regretting this choice.
The hierarchy at Apple computer consisted of Jobs as the proactive individual responsible for making deals, soliciting orders, and acquiring parts, while Woz prioritized his role as an engineer. Jobs’ lack of interest in the business aspect and his cutthroat attitude would eventually lead to his downfall at Apple computer, though this would not occur until ten years and millions of dollars later. However, first comes the journey towards achieving greatness.
The Apple I had various usability problems, like the lack of a case and a complex interface. However, Paul Terrell, a retailer, saw its potential and ordered 50 Apple I computers for his stores at the wholesale price of $589. To attract attention, he decided to sell them for $666.66 – demonstrating Steve Jobs’ influence once again. The next creation by Woz was the Apple II, which had several improvements including 4k of memory. It utilized a TV set as a monitor but did not come with it. The Apple II became the first mass-produced personal computer ever. Steve Jobs had immense affection for working on this “baby” of his and by 1977, he had created something truly extraordinary.
Big business interference hindered Steve Wozniak’s accomplishments. In 1980, Apple Computer went public at $22 per share, reaching a total worth of $117 million and skyrocketing to $985 million in three years. Despite being a college dropout and an electronic enthusiast, Wozniak’s net worth reached an impressive $135.6 million, accounting for only about 7 percent of the company. Meanwhile, Steve Jobs was worth $235 million and others also held stakes in Apple. Even Woz’s first wife received stock in a divorce settlement years prior and now had a value of $42 million.
As money flowed in, new problems emerged as Woz pursued his long-held desires like owning and flying planes. Being easygoing, he shared his wealth with family and friends and sponsored a concert tour at the expense of losing millions. Unfortunately, in 1981, a plane crash forced him to take time off for recovery.
Upon returning two years later, he faced a new development at Apple: Jobs’ latest creation – the Macintosh computer – which competed with the highly successful Apple II line that had been the flagship product generating most of the company’s revenue.
Amidst Apple’s successes was its failure known as the Apple III. This failure left Woz feeling discarded like an old toy despite his contributions to the company’s foundation.Eventually, he grew disenchanted with Apple and made the choice to cease his work attendance, sell his 7 percent stake, and pursue other ventures. Presently, he lives in California as a schoolteacher and relishes the companionship of his six children.
In conclusion, Steve Wozniak, a visionary and determined individual, achieved great things by finding innovative ways to do tasks that others wouldn’t attempt, without being motivated by money or power. This paper highlights the significance of Steve Wozniak as the true pioneer of personal computers. The success and creation of Apple Computer relied on both Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs. Without either of them, the company would have failed to exist. There is clear evidence of Jobs’ envy towards Wozniak’s accomplishments when he assigned employee numbers – with Wozniak becoming Apple Computer employee number one, much to Jobs’ dismay. Jobs himself wanted to be employee number zero. It is remarkable how two individuals who didn’t complete their formal education achieved such incredible feats.
