Charles P. Thacker American computer scientist Date of Birth: 26.02.1943 Country: USA

1. Biography of Charles Thacker
2. Early Life and Education
3. Founding Berkeley Computer Corporation
4. Xerox PARC and Contributions
5. DEC Systems Research Center and Microsoft Research
6. Work on Microsoft Tablet PC
7. Recognition and Awards

Biography of Charles Thacker

Charles Thacker, an American scientist in the field of computer systems theory, was awarded the Turing Prize in 2009 for his pioneering work in the development of the Xerox Alto, the first modern personal computer, as well as his contributions to Ethernet technology and the advancement of tablet personal computers.

Early Life and Education

Born in the United States, Charles Thacker obtained a bachelor's degree in physics from the University of California, Berkeley.

Founding Berkeley Computer Corporation

Thacker, along with Butler Lampson and other graduates, co-founded the Berkeley Computer Corporation, where he focused on the development of computer electronics. However, the company did not achieve commercial success.

Xerox PARC and Contributions

Thacker then joined the Xerox PARC research center. During the 1970s and 80s, he became one of the developers of the Ethernet protocol and made significant contributions to the creation of the first laser printer.

DEC Systems Research Center and Microsoft Research

In 1983, Thacker established the Digital Equipment Corporation's Systems Research Center. Later, in 1997, he participated in the formation of Microsoft Research Laboratory in Cambridge.

Work on Microsoft Tablet PC

After returning to the United States, Thacker focused on hardware development for the Microsoft Tablet PC, drawing from his experience working on the Dynabook at Xerox PARC.

Recognition and Awards

Throughout his career, Charles Thacker received numerous accolades, including:
- 1994: ACM Fellow
- 1996: Distinguished Alumnus in Computer Science at U.C. Berkeley
- 1996: Honorary Doctorate from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich
- 2004: Charles Stark Draper Prize
- 2007: John von Neumann Medal
- 2009: Turing Prize for his innovative work and creation of the Xerox Alto, as well as his contributions to Ethernet technology and the development of tablet personal computers.