This year, the world mourned the loss of technology icon Steve Jobs. But we didn't just lose one tech luminary in 2011, we bid goodbye to a wave of the first pioneers in technology. From computer sales to software programming, the digital world that thrives today would not have existed without these innovators.
Some of these first-generation tech leaders left their hard work and companies in the hands of others many years ago. However, today's careers in engineering, programming, music, manufacturing and more would simply not exist without their original invention and leadership.
We honor and appreciate those who paved the way for unprecedented technological innovation and world change.
[nggallery id=3553]