📖 Overview
Gary Kildall (1942-1994) was a computer scientist and entrepreneur who made pivotal contributions to personal computing in the 1970s and early 1980s. He is best known for creating CP/M (Control Program for Microcomputers), one of the first operating systems for microcomputers, and founding Digital Research Inc.
As a computer science professor at the Naval Postgraduate School, Kildall developed CP/M in 1974, which became the dominant operating system of the early microcomputer era. His work laid important foundations for modern operating systems and demonstrated how computers could become accessible to businesses and individuals.
Kildall went on to develop several other significant technologies including PL/M (the first high-level programming language for microprocessors) and CD-ROM file systems that helped establish standards for optical storage media. He also hosted the PBS television series "The Computer Chronicles" from 1983 to 1990, helping educate the public about emerging computer technologies.
While often overlooked in popular histories of computing, Kildall's technical innovations influenced the development of MS-DOS and subsequent Microsoft operating systems. His memoir "Computer Connections: People, Places and Events in the Evolution of the Personal Computer Industry" provides firsthand insights into the early days of personal computing.
👀 Reviews
Gary Kildall receives recognition from readers primarily through his memoir "Computer Connections" and technical documentation for CP/M and Digital Research products.
Readers value his straightforward explanations of complex technical concepts and firsthand accounts of the early PC industry. Several Amazon reviewers note his humble tone when describing his innovations. One Goodreads reviewer wrote: "Kildall explains the birth of CP/M without bitterness or ego - just clear technical details and historical context."
Common criticisms focus on the incomplete nature of his memoir, which was published posthumously. Readers note gaps in the narrative and wish for more detail about key events. A few reviewers mention the text could benefit from additional technical diagrams and code examples.
Limited review data exists online:
- Goodreads: 4.1/5 (31 ratings)
- Amazon: 4.3/5 (12 ratings)
- Internet Archive: 4.5/5 (8 ratings)
Most reader discussions appear in tech forums and blog comments rather than formal book reviews, reflecting his impact on the technical community rather than mainstream audiences.
📚 Books by Gary Kildall
Computer Programming for Beginners (1983)
A textbook introducing fundamental programming concepts using CP/M assembly language and PL/M.
The Evolution of a Programmer (unpublished manuscript) An autobiographical work detailing Kildall's experiences in the early microcomputer industry and the development of CP/M.
High-Level Programming for the 8080 (1977) A technical manual focused on programming the Intel 8080 microprocessor using PL/M language.
CP/M Technical Manual (1977) A comprehensive reference guide for the CP/M operating system's internal structure and programming interfaces.
CP/M Operating System Manual (1976) The original user manual for the CP/M operating system, including command references and system utilities.
The Evolution of a Programmer (unpublished manuscript) An autobiographical work detailing Kildall's experiences in the early microcomputer industry and the development of CP/M.
High-Level Programming for the 8080 (1977) A technical manual focused on programming the Intel 8080 microprocessor using PL/M language.
CP/M Technical Manual (1977) A comprehensive reference guide for the CP/M operating system's internal structure and programming interfaces.
CP/M Operating System Manual (1976) The original user manual for the CP/M operating system, including command references and system utilities.
👥 Similar authors
Tracy Kidder writes about technology pioneers and the early days of computing, with books like "The Soul of a New Machine" focusing on computer engineering culture. His narrative style documents the technical and human elements of computing history similar to Kildall's accounts.
Paul E. Ceruzzi chronicles the history of computing and software development through works like "A History of Modern Computing." He covers many of the same time periods and technological developments that intersect with Kildall's career and writings.
Steven Levy reports on hacker culture and early personal computing through books like "Hackers: Heroes of the Computer Revolution." His focus on the personalities and conflicts in early microcomputing parallels themes in Kildall's work.
Robert X. Cringely examines the personal computer industry's development and key figures in works like "Accidental Empires." His coverage includes the CP/M era and business dynamics that Kildall experienced firsthand.
Katie Hafner writes about computer industry pioneers and the development of essential technologies like the internet. Her work "Where Wizards Stay Up Late" documents the engineering culture of early computing that Kildall operated within.
Paul E. Ceruzzi chronicles the history of computing and software development through works like "A History of Modern Computing." He covers many of the same time periods and technological developments that intersect with Kildall's career and writings.
Steven Levy reports on hacker culture and early personal computing through books like "Hackers: Heroes of the Computer Revolution." His focus on the personalities and conflicts in early microcomputing parallels themes in Kildall's work.
Robert X. Cringely examines the personal computer industry's development and key figures in works like "Accidental Empires." His coverage includes the CP/M era and business dynamics that Kildall experienced firsthand.
Katie Hafner writes about computer industry pioneers and the development of essential technologies like the internet. Her work "Where Wizards Stay Up Late" documents the engineering culture of early computing that Kildall operated within.