THE EARLY YEARS
1955: Born in San Francisco, Calif.
Education: Homestead High School, Cupertino, Calif.
HIS RISE
1976: Starts Apple Computer Co. (now Apple Inc.) with Steve Wozniak in the family garage.
1984: Unveils the first Macintosh.
1985: Forced out of Apple, starts NeXT Computer, specializing in computer workstations.
1986: Co-founds Pixar from a former Lucas film graphics unit that he reportedly bought for $10 million.
1996: Returns to Apple when the company buys NeXT.
1998: Introduces iMac, the fastest selling PC in history
2001: Launches the iPod.
2003: Introduces iTunes store
2006: Sells Pixar to Disney in a $7.4 billion deal that gives him a seat on Disney's board.
2007: Releases the iPhone.
2010: Unveils iPad, setting standard for tablets; Apple jumps ahead of Microsoft as the largest U.S. computer firm (market value).
HEALTH ISSUES
2004: Undergoes successful surgery for pancreatic cancer.
2009: Has liver transplant during six-month leave of absence.
2011: Jan. 17, announces another leave of absence to deal with health issues.
2011: Aug. 24, announces resignation as CEO.
2011: Oct. 5, dies at age 56.
