Andy Hopper facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Andy Hopper
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| Born |
Andrew Hopper
9 May 1953 Warsaw, Poland
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| Nationality | British |
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| Spouse(s) |
Alison Gail Smith
(m. 1988) |
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| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Computer Technology |
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| Thesis | Local area computer communications networks (1978) |
| Doctoral advisor | David Wheeler |
| Doctoral students | Andy Harter |
Sir Andrew Hopper (born 9 May 1953) is a famous British-Polish computer expert and business person. He has helped create many important computer technologies. He is a Professor at the University of Cambridge. He also leads lowRISC CIC, which works on open-source computer hardware. Sir Andy has received many awards for his work in computer science.
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Education and Early Work
Sir Andy Hopper went to Quintin Kynaston School in London. Then, he studied for his first degree at Swansea University. In 1974, he moved to the University of Cambridge to do more advanced studies. He earned his PhD in 1978. His research was about how computers talk to each other in a small area, like an office. This is called a local area network.
After his PhD, Sir Andy worked on creating the Cambridge Ring. This was an early type of computer network. It helped computers share information and resources.
Amazing Computer Inventions
Sir Andy Hopper is interested in many areas of computer science. These include computer networks, which connect computers. He also works on multimedia systems, which handle sound and video.
One of his most famous inventions is the Active Badge. This was an early system that could tell where people were inside a building. It was a big step towards "sentient computing." This is where computers understand their surroundings.
Sir Andy also helped create Virtual Network Computing (VNC). This technology lets you control one computer from another, even if they are far apart.
He believes in "Digital Commons." This means that important digital tools and information should be available for everyone to use.
From 1997 to 2004, Sir Andy was a professor at Cambridge University's Engineering Department. He then returned to the Computer Laboratory. There, he became the head of the department.
His recent research looks at how computers and AI can help make our planet more sustainable. This project is called Computing for the Future of the Planet. He has also guided about 50 students through their PhD studies.
Building Computer Companies
Sir Andy Hopper is not just a scientist; he is also a successful business person. He has started many companies.
In 1978, he co-founded Orbis Ltd. This company worked on networking technology. Later, Orbis joined Acorn Computers Ltd. At Acorn, Sir Andy helped design chips for the BBC Micro computer. He also helped start the project that led to the creation of the ARM microprocessor. ARM chips are now used in billions of devices, like smartphones and tablets!
After Acorn, he co-founded the Olivetti Research Laboratory (ORL) in 1986. He was its managing director.
In 1993, Sir Andy started Advanced Telecommunication Modules Ltd with Hermann Hauser. This company later became Virata Corporation. It became a public company in 1999.
In 2002, Sir Andy co-founded RealVNC. This company makes software based on the VNC technology he helped create. It allows people to access and control computers remotely.
Since 2019, he has been the Chairman of lowRISC. This company develops open-source hardware. This means the designs are freely available for anyone to use and improve.
Awards and Special Recognitions
Sir Andy Hopper has received many important awards for his work.
- He is a Fellow of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (FIET). He was also the president of the IET from 2012 to 2013.
- He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering in 1996.
- In 2006, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very high honor for scientists. In 2017, he became the treasurer and vice-president of the Royal Society.
- In 2007, he was made a CBE by the Queen. This was for his great contributions to the computer industry.
- In 2013, his team at RealVNC won the MacRobert Award. This is a top award for engineering innovation in the UK.
- In 2021, he was knighted, which means he can now be called "Sir." This was for his services to computer technology.
He has also received honorary degrees and fellowships from universities like Swansea University and Queen's University Belfast.
Personal Life
Sir Andy Hopper is married to Alison Gail Smith. She is also a professor at the University of Cambridge. They have two children. Sir Andy is also a skilled pilot. He has flown planes for over 6,000 hours, including a trip around the world! He even has an airstrip near his house where he keeps his six-seater Cessna plane.
