Ward Christensen, BBS inventor and architect of our online age, dies at age 78
Ward Christensen, co-inventor of the bulletin board system, died at 78. He developed the first BBS in 1978, significantly impacting online communities and technology, including the XMODEM protocol.
Read original article
Ward Christensen, co-inventor of the computer bulletin board system (BBS), passed away at the age of 78 in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. He was discovered deceased at his home after friends requested a wellness check. Alongside Randy Suess, Christensen developed the first BBS in Chicago in 1978, which played a crucial role in fostering online communities and multiplayer gaming before the widespread availability of the Internet. Their creation allowed users to connect via modems to leave messages and share files, laying the groundwork for future digital communication. Christensen was known for his humility and low profile, despite his significant contributions to technology, including the invention of the XMODEM file transfer protocol. He had a long career at IBM, retiring in 2012, and was recognized with several awards for his work in telecommunications. Friends and colleagues remember him as a gentle innovator who prioritized sharing knowledge over seeking recognition. His passing, along with that of Suess in 2019, marks the end of an era for BBS culture, although many BBS systems still operate today.
- Ward Christensen, co-inventor of the BBS, died at 78.
- He created the first BBS in 1978, fostering early online communities.
- Christensen was also the inventor of the XMODEM file transfer protocol.
- He maintained a low profile throughout his career, focusing on sharing knowledge.
- His contributions to technology were recognized with multiple awards.
Related
The Internet
The Internet's evolution from a slow network connecting campuses to a global platform overshadowed BBSes. Challenges like overcrowding and spam arose with mass adoption, but early text files reflect the era's quest for knowledge and sharing information globally.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Keith McMillen
Keith McMillen, a pioneer in audio and music technology, passed away in August 2024. He founded influential companies and developed groundbreaking technologies, leaving a lasting impact on music and technology.
45 years ago CompuServe connected the world before the World Wide Web
CompuServe launched its consumer service on September 24, 1979, becoming a pioneer in online communication with features like email and forums, before being acquired by AOL in 1997.
Ward Christensen has died (of BBS and XMODEM fame)
Ward Christensen, co-founder of the first bulletin board system CBBS in 1978, developed the XMODEM protocol, received multiple awards, and worked at IBM until 2012, influencing public-domain software.
Ward Christensen, BBS inventor and architect of our online age, dies at age 78
Ward Christensen, co-inventor of the bulletin board system, died at 78. He developed the first BBS in 1978 and created the XMODEM protocol, emphasizing community and knowledge sharing.
3 commentsRelated
The Internet
The Internet's evolution from a slow network connecting campuses to a global platform overshadowed BBSes. Challenges like overcrowding and spam arose with mass adoption, but early text files reflect the era's quest for knowledge and sharing information globally.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Keith McMillen
Keith McMillen, a pioneer in audio and music technology, passed away in August 2024. He founded influential companies and developed groundbreaking technologies, leaving a lasting impact on music and technology.
45 years ago CompuServe connected the world before the World Wide Web
CompuServe launched its consumer service on September 24, 1979, becoming a pioneer in online communication with features like email and forums, before being acquired by AOL in 1997.
Ward Christensen has died (of BBS and XMODEM fame)
Ward Christensen, co-founder of the first bulletin board system CBBS in 1978, developed the XMODEM protocol, received multiple awards, and worked at IBM until 2012, influencing public-domain software.
Ward Christensen, BBS inventor and architect of our online age, dies at age 78
Ward Christensen, co-inventor of the bulletin board system, died at 78. He developed the first BBS in 1978 and created the XMODEM protocol, emphasizing community and knowledge sharing.