The Triumph of the Nerds: The Rise of Accidental Empires (TV 1996)

Writers:

Robert X. Cringely (book), Robert X. Cringely (screenplay)

Stars:

Robert X. Cringely, Douglas Adams, Sam Albert

Cast

Credited cast:
Robert X. Cringely	...	Himself (host / interviewer)
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Douglas Adams	...	Himself (author)
Sam Albert	...	Himself (former IBM executive)
Paul G. Allen	...	Himself (co-founder, Microsoft)
Bill Atkinson	...	Himself (designer, Macintosh Development Team)
Steve Ballmer	...	Himself (vice-president, Microsoft)
Dan Bricklin	...	Himself (VisiCalc inventor)
David Bunnell	...	Himself (founder, PC World and Macworld magazines)
Rod Canion	...	Himself (co-founder, Compaq)
Jim Cannavino	...	Himself (former head, PC division, IBM)
Christine Comaford	...	Herself (CEO, Corporate Computing International)
Eddy Curry	...	Himself
Esther Dyson	...	Herself (computer industry analyst)
Larry Ellison	...	Himself (founder and president, Oracle)
Chris Espinosa	...	Himself (manager, Media Tools, Apple)

Storyline

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Plot Keywords:

computer | corporate warfare | nerd | business | computer disc | 

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Genres:

Documentary

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Details

Official Sites:

PBS: Triumph of the Nerds

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

12 June 1996 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Triumph of the Nerds

Company Credits

Production Co:

Oregon Public Broadcasting

Technical Specs

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Goofs

Part 1 refers to the First West Coast Computer Faire where the Apple II was introduced. The Faire was in April 1977, not 1978.

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Quotes

Steve Jobs: The problem with Microsoft is they just have no taste. They have absolutely no taste, and what that means is, and I don't mean that in a small way, I mean that in a big way.

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Connections

Spin-off Steve Jobs: The Lost Interview (2012)

User Reviews

From Back of the Garage to the Forefront of Technology

This is a story of few very talented people working from their garage launching a mega billion dollar empire. The grass roots development of personal computers in the '70s and '80s are captured in this excellent program. From the development of Altair 8800, Apple II, and launching of Microsoft to the IBM PC, bringing about the change we know today as computer revolution, this program details the early history of personal computer development from an insider's view. All major historical events concerning the early computer revolution is treated fairly and in an unbiased way making this an excellent documentary on history of personal computer development, but it is also presented in a entertaining way that even an average couch potato can enjoy. The major players are all there and there are many good personal interviews which brings insights as to how the event really took place. A priceless piece of computer history in a three hour program.