Brendan Kehoe

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Brendan Kehoe (December 3, 1970 – July 19, 2011) was an Irish-American software developer and author known for his contributions to the early Internet and his influential book, Zen and the Art of the Internet.

Early Life and Education

Brendan Kehoe was born in Dublin, Ireland, and later moved to the United States with his family. He developed an interest in computers and programming at a young age. Kehoe attended Widener University in Chester, Pennsylvania, where he studied computer science.

Career

Kehoe began his career in the early 1990s, a period marked by the rapid expansion of the Internet. He worked for Cygnus Solutions, a company known for its contributions to open-source software. During his time at Cygnus, Kehoe was involved in the development of several important software projects.

Zen and the Art of the Internet

In 1992, Kehoe published Zen and the Art of the Internet, one of the first popular books about the Internet. The book served as a comprehensive guide for new users, explaining the basics of Internet protocols, email, Usenet, and other online services. It was widely distributed and became a valuable resource for many early Internet users.

Personal Life

Brendan Kehoe was known for his friendly and approachable demeanor. He was an active participant in various online communities and was respected for his willingness to help others. Kehoe was also an advocate for open-source software and contributed to several projects throughout his career.

Death

Brendan Kehoe passed away on July 19, 2011, at the age of 40. His contributions to the early Internet and the open-source community are remembered and appreciated by many.

Legacy

Kehoe's work, particularly Zen and the Art of the Internet, played a significant role in demystifying the Internet for new users and promoting the growth of online communities. His contributions to open-source software continue to influence the field of software development.

See Also

• Internet history
• Open-source software
• Cygnus Solutions
• Widener University