# Peter Norton

> American programmer, software publisher

**Wikidata**: [Q62886](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q62886)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Norton)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/peter-norton

## Summary
Peter Norton is an American programmer, software publisher, and computer scientist. He is best known as the founder of Peter Norton Computing, a software engineering company established in 1982. Beyond his work in the technology sector, Norton is also recognized as a philanthropist and art collector.

## Biography
*   **Born:** November 14, 1943, in Aberdeen
*   **Nationality:** United States
*   **Education:** Reed College; Queen Anne High School
*   **Known for:** Founding Peter Norton Computing; contributions to software engineering
*   **Field(s):** Computer Science, Software Engineering, Art Collection, Philanthropy
*   **Other Roles:** Businessperson, Author

## Contributions
Peter Norton’s most significant contribution to the technology industry is the founding of **Peter Norton Computing**. Established in 1982 in the United States, the company focused on software engineering and grew to employ 115 individuals. Through this organization, Norton played a key role in the software publishing sector, developing tools and utilities for computer users.

In addition to his entrepreneurial work, Norton began his professional programming career in 1965. His work encompasses various disciplines within the field, including software development and computer science research.

Outside of software, Norton is a noted art collector. Records indicate he owned a historically significant daguerreotype of the United States Capitol by John Plumbe Jr. (created in 1846) between 1995 and 1996. His collection and philanthropic efforts bridge the gap between technology and the arts.

## FAQs

### Q: When was Peter Norton born?
A: Peter Norton was born on November 14, 1943.

### Q: What company did Peter Norton found?
A: Peter Norton founded Peter Norton Computing, a software engineering company, in 1982.

### Q: What is Peter Norton's educational background?
A: Peter Norton attended Queen Anne High School and Reed College.

### Q: Is Peter Norton involved in the arts?
A: Yes, Peter Norton is identified as an art collector and philanthropist. He has owned significant historical artifacts, such as an 1846 daguerreotype of the United States Capitol.

## Why They Matter
Peter Norton matters as a foundational figure in the personal computing software industry. By establishing Peter Norton Computing in the early 1980s, he contributed to the development of essential software engineering tools at a critical time in the industry's expansion. His career serves as a primary example of the intersection between technical computer science expertise and business entrepreneurship.

Furthermore, Norton represents a link between the technology sector and the humanities. His reputation as a philanthropist and art collector demonstrates a broader impact beyond code and hardware. His acquisition of rare historical items, such as the earliest known photographic images of the U.S. Capitol, highlights a commitment to cultural preservation. This dual legacy in both industrial software engineering and cultural philanthropy distinguishes him as a multifaceted figure in modern American history.

## Notable For
*   **Founder of Peter Norton Computing:** Established a successful software engineering firm in 1982.
*   **Multi-disciplinary Career:** Holds roles as a programmer, computer scientist, businessperson, art collector, and philanthropist.
*   **Early Industry Entry:** Began work in the programming field in 1965.
*   **Cultural Stewardship:** Owned the 1846 daguerreotype of the United States Capitol by John Plumbe Jr.

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Peter Norton was born on November 14, 1943, in Aberdeen. He completed his secondary education at Queen Anne High School before pursuing higher education at Reed College.

### Career in Computing
Norton’s professional involvement in the computing world began in 1965. As a programmer and computer scientist, he has been recognized for his contributions to software development. His most notable business venture was the inception of **Peter Norton Computing** in 1982. Headquartered in the United States, the company specialized in software engineering and reportedly employed 115 people. As a software publisher and engineer, Norton utilized his technical background to build a significant enterprise in the industrial service sector.

### Art and Philanthropy
Norton is also prominently defined by his work as a philanthropist and art collector. His collection has included historically significant works, most notably a daguerreotype of the United States Capitol taken by John Plumbe Jr. in 1846. Norton held possession of this 8.9 × 11.9 cm artwork (96.XT.62) from 1995 to 1996.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. International Standard Name Identifier
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. BnF authorities
5. CiNii Research
6. SNAC
7. Czech National Authority Database
8. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
9. IdRef
10. CONOR.SI
11. [Source](http://www.getty.edu/art/collection/objects/101932/john-plumbe-jr-the-united-states-capitol-american-1846/)
12. Catalogo of the National Library of India