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John Walker, founder of Autodesk, has died (scanalyst.fourmilab.ch)

1072 points by jdougan · 922 days ago · 227 comments on HN

Article summary

John Walker, the founder of Autodesk, has passed away. He was a pioneer in the field of computer science and engineering, and his work had a significant impact on the development of personal computers. Walker was also known for his website, Fourmilab, which featured a wide range of eclectic information and services. He was 74 years old at the time of his death.

Main themes

  • John Walker's legacy
  • The Hacker's Diet
  • weight loss and nutrition
  • exercise and metabolism
  • online communities and internet history
  • Autodesk and computer science

What commenters say

  • The Hacker's Diet, written by John Walker, was a helpful resource for weight loss and nutrition.
  • Some commenters disagree with the diet's emphasis on calories in, calories out, citing recent research on metabolism and exercise.
  • Exercise is not an effective way to lose weight, as the calories burned are often negated by decreased metabolism and increased food intake later on.
  • Others argue that The Hacker's Diet is not a traditional diet, but rather a framework for understanding weight loss and making informed choices.
  • John Walker's legacy extends beyond his work on Autodesk and The Hacker's Diet, to his contributions to the development of the internet and online communities.
  • Some commenters appreciate the simplicity and effectiveness of The Hacker's Diet, while others find it too restrictive or difficult to maintain.
  • The importance of regular exercise for overall health and well-being is emphasized by some commenters, despite its limited impact on weight loss.