Paul Thurrott

Paul Thurrott
Name	Paul Thurrott
Birth date	1963
Birth place	United States
Occupation	Technology journalist, author, podcaster, commentator
Years active	1990s–present
Notable works	Windows Secrets, Supersite for Windows, Windows Weekly

Paul Thurrott

Paul Thurrott is an American technology journalist, author, and commentator known for long-form analysis and coverage of Microsoft Windows, software, and consumer computing. He rose to prominence in the 1990s and 2000s through print and online outlets, podcasting, and books focused on operating systems and developer platforms. His work spans journalism, books, web publishing, and broadcast commentary, with frequent appearances at conferences and industry events.

Early life and education

Born in 1963 in the United States, Thurrott attended schools in the Midwest before pursuing studies related to computing and media. He developed an early interest in software during the rise of personal computing alongside contemporaries and institutions shaping the sector. His formative years coincided with milestones such as the rise of IBM PC, the development of Microsoft Windows 1.0, and the growth of publications like BYTE (magazine) and PC Magazine. Influential figures and companies in his early environment included Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Intel Corporation, and Apple Inc.. He later combined technical knowledge with writing influenced by journalists at outlets such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Wired (magazine).

Career

Thurrott's professional career began in print and trade journalism, contributing to computer-focused publications and trade shows. He wrote for and edited titles that covered personal computing, server platforms, and developer tools, intersecting with organizations like Microsoft Corporation, Sun Microsystems, Novell, and Oracle Corporation. In the late 1990s and early 2000s he founded or co-founded online properties and newsletters which provided analysis of software releases, patches, and corporate strategy at firms such as Microsoft Azure, Windows Server, and Visual Studio. His career includes roles as columnist, editor-in-chief, and publisher, working with editorial teams, contributing to industry events including COMDEX, CES (Consumer Electronics Show), and TechEd. He has also consulted for technology companies and appeared before audiences at venues including SXSW, Web Summit, and Microsoft Ignite.

Writing and publications

Thurrott authored guidebooks, how-to manuals, and analytical books covering operating systems, productivity software, and cloud services. His titles have addressed versions of Microsoft Windows, editions of Office (Microsoft), and subjects such as virtualization and backup. He contributed to and edited technical columns and long-form features for outlets aligned with major publishers and platforms including Ziff Davis, Penton Media, and IDG (company). He founded editorial properties that aggregated news, tutorials, and reviews focused on client and server software, and he maintained comprehensive change logs and upgrade guides for commercial releases like Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 10. His writing often contextualized product announcements alongside competitors such as Google LLC, Apple Inc., Amazon (company), and standards bodies like the W3C.

Windows and Microsoft commentary

Thurrott became particularly known for deep coverage of Microsoft Corporation and its flagship product lines, chronicling leadership changes involving figures like Steve Ballmer and Satya Nadella. He provided detailed analysis of Windows development, release cadence, and enterprise impact, frequently addressing topics such as migration planning from Windows XP to Windows 7 or from Windows 7 to Windows 10, and the implications of initiatives like Windows as a Service and Microsoft 365. His commentary considered strategic shifts including cloud-first approaches tied to Azure, acquisitions such as GitHub, and partnerships with firms like Intel Corporation and Qualcomm. He developed reputation for informed leaks, build analyses, and hands-on testing of preview releases and insider builds released at events like Build (developer conference).

Television and web appearances

Thurrott has been a regular presence on podcasts, webcasts, and television segments that discuss consumer and enterprise technology. He co-hosted or appeared on shows and podcasts alongside personalities associated with outlets including CNET, ZDNet, The Verge, and Ars Technica. His broadcast appearances extended to technology panels at Bloomberg Television, CNBC, and public radio segments, and he participated in videocasts around major product announcements at Microsoft Build, Apple WWDC, and Google I/O. Thurrott's web presence included video tutorials, live streams, and archived podcasts that reached audiences on platforms such as YouTube, iTunes, and podcast networks that cover hardware and software ecosystems.

Awards and recognition

Over his career Thurrott received recognition from industry peers and organizations for contributions to technology journalism and analysis. His publications and podcasts were cited by colleagues at outlets like PCWorld, InfoWorld, and Network World; industry awards and lists from trade groups and media organizations acknowledged editorial excellence in coverage of software and operating systems. He has been invited as a juror, speaker, and panelist for awards and conferences including those organized by Computex, DICE Summit, and technology journalism associations.

Personal life and activism

Thurrott has engaged in community and advocacy efforts related to technology accessibility, privacy, and digital inclusion, aligning with organizations and initiatives that promote open standards and broader access such as nonprofits and foundations operating in the technology sector. His personal interests include following developments in hardware from vendors like Dell Technologies, Lenovo, and HP Inc., as well as software ecosystems from Canonical (company), Red Hat, and Mozilla Foundation. He lives in the United States and maintains an active presence on blogs and social media, participating in discussions with commentators from Tom Warren (journalist), Mary Jo Foley, Ed Bott, and other technology writers and analysts.

Category:American technology journalists Category:Technology podcasters