Silicon Valley turns 40

Silicon Valley may not be featured on any map, but it has nonetheless become a mecca for computer technology and venture capital. Silicon Valley celebrates its 40th anniversary today, January 11.

The term Silicon Valley was first used on January 11, 1971, in Don Hoefler’s series of articles for Electronic News entitled “Silicon Valley in the USA.” Silicon is used extensively as a semiconductor in the production of microprocessors. The valley’s history as a high-tech hub began with the computer industry. Photo: The house where students William Hewlett and David Packard started their small business in 1938.

This picturesque place, located in the south of the San Francisco Bay Area, used to be known as the Valley of Heart's Delight before companies such as Google, Apple, Microsoft, Intel and Cisco replaced the orchards that inspired the area’s initial name.

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg is the latest innovator to make his fortune in Silicon Valley, surpassing even Apple CEO Steve Jobs in personal wealth. Zuckerberg’s net worth ballooned from $2 billion in 2009 to $6.9 billion in 2010.

Many IT companies with revenue exceeding a billion dollars a year look like cottages in the forest.

SAP is developing automated systems to manage work processes within the company.

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Buck's of Woodside, Silicon Valley’s most popular restaurant.

History and humor are valued highly in Silicon Valley. Photo: Door to a women’s restroom.

Homage to American capitalism.