Brian Dear

About the Author

Brian Dear is a seasoned technology historian and author whose work illuminates the hidden corners of computing's past. With a background in software engineering and a passion for archival research, he delves into the pioneering innovations that shaped modern digital life. His debut book, The Friendly Orange Glow: The Untold Story of the PLATO System and the Dawn of Cyberculture, uncovers the fascinating history of the PLATO computer network, a groundbreaking system from the 1970s that foreshadowed today's internet culture, social media, and online communities. Dear's meticulous storytelling blends technical insight with human narratives, revealing how early visionaries laid the groundwork for our connected world. A frequent speaker at tech conferences, he continues to explore the intersections of technology, society, and innovation through his writing and lectures.