👉 Oak Computing was an American independent computer hardware and software company founded in 1992 by Rob Pike, Chris Hardwick, and others. The company gained prominence for its innovative approach to personal computing, particularly with the development of the OLPC (Oceanic Language Processing Computer), a low-cost, single-user, single-occupancy laptop designed for educational purposes in developing countries. Oak's philosophy centered on creating accessible, affordable technology that could empower individuals and communities through education and digital literacy. Beyond hardware, Oak also developed software, notably the OLPC operating system, which was tailored to be lightweight and efficient on low-power devices. Despite facing financial challenges and ultimately ceasing operations in 2005, Oak Computing's impact on making technology more accessible and affordable has left a lasting legacy in the tech industry.
