# Bill Thompson

> English technology writer, born 1960

**Wikidata**: [Q4911143](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4911143)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Thompson_(technology_writer))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/bill-thompson-q4911143

## Summary
Bill Thompson is an English technology writer and journalist born in 1960, known for his work in documenting the history of computing and technology. He has contributed to publications like *The Guardian* and the BBC, and his writing often explores the evolution of tech industries.

## Biography
- Born: October 6, 1960, in Jarrow, England
- Nationality: United Kingdom
- Education: Studied at St Catharine's College, Cambridge (1979–1980)
- Known for: Writing about the history of computing and technology
- Employer(s): Acorn Computers (1987–1989), *The Guardian* (1994–1996), BBC (2009–present)
- Field(s): Technology journalism, programming

## Contributions
Bill Thompson has written extensively about the history of computing, including the early days of the UK tech industry. His work, such as *The birth of a UK tech giant*, has documented key developments in British technology. He has also worked as a programmer and database administrator, contributing to projects at Acorn Computers and other organizations. His writing has been published in various media outlets, including *The Guardian* and the BBC.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Bill Thompson known for?
A: Bill Thompson is known for his work as a technology writer and journalist, particularly for documenting the history of computing and the UK tech industry.

### Q: Where did Bill Thompson work?
A: He worked at Acorn Computers as a database administrator, contributed to *The Guardian*, and later joined the BBC.

### Q: What awards has Bill Thompson received?
A: He received an honorary doctorate from Anglia Ruskin University in 2016.

### Q: What is Bill Thompson's background in technology?
A: He has worked as a programmer and has written about the history of computing, including the early days of the UK tech industry.

### Q: Where can I find Bill Thompson's writing?
A: His work has appeared in *The Guardian*, the BBC, and on his personal blogs, such as *A Stick a Dog and a Box With Something In It*.

## Why They Matter
Bill Thompson's work as a technology writer has provided valuable insights into the history of computing, particularly in the UK. His writing has helped preserve the stories of early tech pioneers and the evolution of the industry. By documenting these developments, he has contributed to the broader understanding of technology's impact on society. His work continues to influence discussions about the future of tech and innovation.

## Notable For
- Wrote *The birth of a UK tech giant*, a key work on British tech history.
- Received an honorary doctorate from Anglia Ruskin University.
- Worked as a programmer and database administrator at Acorn Computers.
- Contributed to *The Guardian* and the BBC, shaping public discourse on technology.
- Maintained active online presence through blogs and social media.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Bill Thompson was born on October 6, 1960, in Jarrow, England. He attended St Catharine's College, Cambridge, where he studied from 1979 to 1980.

### Career in Technology
Thompson began his career as a programmer, working at Bensasson and Chalmers Partnership from 1985 to 1987. He later became a database administrator at Acorn Computers, where he worked from 1987 to 1989.

### Writing and Journalism
Thompson transitioned into technology journalism, contributing to *The Guardian* from 1994 to 1996. He later joined the BBC, where he continues to work. His writing often focuses on the history of computing and the UK tech industry.

### Notable Works
One of Thompson's most significant contributions is *The birth of a UK tech giant*, which documents the early days of British technology. His work has been influential in preserving the stories of tech pioneers.

### Awards and Recognition
In 2016, Thompson received an honorary doctorate from Anglia Ruskin University. His writing has been widely recognized for its depth and accuracy.

### Online Presence
Thompson maintains an active online presence through blogs like *A Stick a Dog and a Box With Something In It* and social media platforms such as Twitter and Mastodon. His work continues to engage audiences interested in technology and its history.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.astickadogandaboxwithsomethinginit.com/when-my-world-changed-forty-years-of-cambridge/)
2. [The birth of a UK tech giant - BBC News](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-11821504)
3. [Source](https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-thompson-4174682)
4. [Source](https://www.bbc.co.uk/rd/people/bill-thompson)
5. [ORCID Public Data File 2023](https://pub.orcid.org/v3.0/0000-0003-4402-5296/employment/807367)
6. [Source](http://www.anglia.ac.uk/graduation-and-alumni/honorary-award-holders2/bill-thompson)
7. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4819708/?ref_=fn_al_nm_7)
8. [Source](http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4402-5296)
9. Google Knowledge Graph
10. [A Stick a Dog and a Box With Something In It – Words and Music from @billt](https://astickadogandaboxwithsomethinginit.com/)
11. [Bill Thompson – Medium](https://billt.medium.com/)
12. [Bill Thompson (@billt@mastodon.social) - Mastodon](https://mastodon.social/@billt)
13. [Bill Thompson: "Interesting analysis of how th…" - Mastodon](https://mastodon.social/@billt/109308395867102599)
14. [Bill Thompson (@billt@someone.elses.computer) - Someone Else's Computer](https://someone.elses.computer/@billt)
15. [Amazon.com: Bill Thompson: libros, biografías, blogs, audiolibros, Kindle](https://www.amazon.com/-/es/Bill-Thompson/e/B0034Q1XT4?ref_=dbs_p_pbk_r00_abau_000000)
16. [William George THOMPSON personal appointments - Find and update company information - GOV.UK](https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/officers/ZWdAjnx5jX6OxtgTMr3I8zF1uJQ/appointments)
17. [Source](https://www.podchaser.com/creators/bill-thompson-107ZznfiXQ/appearances)