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Computer Pioneer Earns Knighthood

Steve Furber helped advance computer literacy and revolutionize electronics

By Jim O'Neill,  Newser User

Posted Dec 29, 2007 8:16 AM CST

(Newser) – Computing pioneer Steve Furber, who helped design a home computer used to improve computer literacy in Britain, and one of the most-used microprocessors in history, has been made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire, reports the BBC. Furber, a University of Manchester professor, currently is working to build an electronic device that mimics the human brain.

"I've been fortunate to be in the right place at the right time," he said. Furber’s BBC Micro computer, created at Acorn Computers, Ltd., was enormously successful, selling more than 1.5 million units. But his energy-efficient ARM microprocessors have helped change the world. About 10 million chips are sold daily and are used in portable electronic device like MP3 players, calculators, even the iPhone.

ARM processors are in everything from MP3 players to calculators and mobile phones. About 10 million of the chips are sold every day.
ARM processors are in everything from MP3 players to calculators and mobile phones. About 10 million of the chips are sold every day.   (YOSHIKAZU TSUNO/AFP/Getty Images)
Steve Furber, designer of the ARM chip and the BBC Microcomputer for Acorn Computers, Ltd., was knighted yesterday by the Queen.
Steve Furber, designer of the ARM chip and the BBC Microcomputer for Acorn Computers, Ltd., was knighted yesterday by the Queen.   (University of Manchester)
The BBC Micro, designed by Steve Furber and built by Acorn Computers, Ltd.
The BBC Micro, designed by Steve Furber and built by Acorn Computers, Ltd.   (Wikimedia Commons)
Almost 1.5 million BBC Micro machines were eventually sold.
Almost 1.5 million BBC Micro machines were eventually sold.   (BBC)
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