Soak IT

Last but not least as we recognize African American technology innovators this month is Lonnie Johnson.  On a hot summer day, we owe Lonnie a big "thank you" for bringing us the Super Soaker.  Lonnie, an aerospace engineer who loved to tinker at home, was working on creating a heat pump that used water to cool down instead of Freon -- the result, the Super Soaker.

Getting into IT

As a young girl, I was fortunate to be encouraged by my father to pursue whatever interested me even if it wasn't a traditional field for a woman.  Not so for Valerie Thomas.  

Valerie Thomas was fascinated by technology as a young child but it wasn't until college that she was finally able to pursue her passion for physics.

IT Radix SPAM Tip of the Month

Our computers are being hijacked, and we may not even know it!  The term “hijack” means to illegally seize in transit and force to a different destination or use for ones own purpose, which is exactly what is being done right under our fingertips.

Leading the way

In today's world, technology is everywhere.  As an early proponent of technology, Roy L. Clay has become known to some as the godfather of black Silicon Valley for helping break down barriers for African Americans in technology. His recruitment and development of talent has helped usher in the next generation of black technology innovators.

Resist IT

As an electrical engineer, I learned about the importance of resistors in any electric circuit.  A resistor is a crucial electronics component that impedes the flow of electrical current.  
When it came to resistors, Otis F. Boykin really knew his stuff.

Enjoy special effects in the movies?

African Scientific Institute

 

Then you should thank Marc Hannah - He's next up in our month-long recognition of African-Americans who have contributed to computer technology as part of Black History month.

Marc Hannah was one of the founders of Silicon Graphics Incorporated (SGI).  SGI is famous for its innovations in computer graphics and Marc Hannah is a special effects wizard.

If You Build IT

As we continue to honor and recognize notable contributors to technology throughout Black History month, Dr. Mark Dean had to be on the list.

He was one of the engineers that helped design the IBM Personal Computer in 1981.  He holds three of IBM's original nine PC patents and currently holds more than 20 total patents.

It's Clean Out Your Computer Day!

IT Radix recommends devoting several hours today to the care and nurture your computer.

While tomorrow is the traditional day for hearts and flowers, today is an excellent time to unclog the information arteries on your PC according to Kerry Gleeson.

Contributors our Tech World

It's Black History month and there are a number of African-America people who have made great contributions to our technology world.  This month, we thought we'd highlight a few notable persons in the computer technology space.

Maria J. Avila-López/Mercury News

 
First up, Gerald A. Lawson.

Fast Fingers and Keyboard Locks

Have you ever wanted to quickly lock your computer?  Perhaps for privacy, perhaps it’s part of your corporate security policy or in my case, to keep my son’s fast fingers from wreaking havoc on my laptop while I’m getting him something.  If this sounds like you, then read on.