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Birth
Alan Kotok was born November 9th 1941 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania -
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Student At MIT
At just age 16 he enrolled in MIT and was accepted. (Not about the age its about the ability to do.) -
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Joins AI Lab
Began work at MIT's AI Lab, collaborating on pioneering AI research. -
The Development Spacewar Starts
He contributed to the creation of Spacewar!, one of the first video games, on the PDP-1 computer at MIT. -
Software for PDP-1
Enhanced the PDP-1 with software innovations, supporting its use in programming and interactive gaming. -
Spacewar!
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Start of The Design For The CTSS
Participated in the development of the Compatible Time-Sharing System (CTSS), one of the first operating systems to support multiple users. -
Works on Early Computer Graphics and Interactive Systems
Worked on foundational computer graphics projects and contributed to Multics, a revolutionary operating system that influenced UNIX. -
Contributes to the Development of MIT’s Multics Project
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Begins Work on the UNIX Operating System
Helped transition concepts from Multics to support the creation of UNIX. -
Becomes an Early Member of the Homebrew Computer Club
Contributed to the culture of personal computing innovation through involvement with the Homebrew Computer Club. -
Assists in the Development of Early CAD Software
Focused on developing computer-aided design (CAD) tools, laying the groundwork for modern digital design systems. -
Influences the Development of Personal Computing
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Starts Work on Advanced Software for Microcomputers
Played a key role in programming software for emerging microcomputers. -
Becomes a Leader in Computer Science Education
Advocated for computer science education to keep pace with technological progress. -
Influence on the Development of Computer Graphics and Simulations
Continued to influence the growth of computer graphic design tools. -
Death
Alan Kotok passed away on May 26, 2009, leaving a profound legacy as a computer science pioneer.
NYT
