A brief history of geeks

Before smartphones, social networks, and other must-have tech, it wasn't a badge of honor to be called a geek. Here's a look back at the evolution of the nerds.

Pirates of Silicon Valley



The buttoned-up IBM look eventually gave way to the hippie programmer: Coders, pirates and anarchists whose entrepreneurial zeal challenged the IBM dogma of the day. "Hippie programmers have long hair and deliberately, even pridefully, ignore the seasons in their choice of clothing. They wear shorts and sandals in the winter and T-shirts all the time," notes tech author Robert X. Cringely. Showing off the look: on the left, Apple's Jobs and Woz; on the right, Richard Stallman, software freedom activist. [Image credits: Windowtowallstree.com (left); Stallman.org]

5 of 13
VIEW ALL THUMBNAILS

Most Popular

What's the difference between an Intel Core i3, i5 and i7?
Samsung’s 2013 Smart TVs: everything you need to know
How do I connect my TV to the Internet?
Laser vs. inkjet printers: which is better?
Windows 7 Home Premium vs. Windows 7 Professional

Best Deals on PCWorld

Networking, Wireless & VoIPView all »
NotebooksView all »
TabletsView all »
Mobile PhonesView all »
Printers & ScannersView all »

Plan Comparison

Prev Next
Loading...
Deals powered by WhistleOut

rhs_login_lockSign up to PC World Today for the latest news, reviews and galleries from PC World Australia.