William V. R. Smith

William V. R. Smith
Smith, William V. R.
Occupation	Founder, Software Developer

Career

Early Life and Education

Born and raised in Burbank, California, Bill Smith graduated from John Burroughs High School in 1974. He later earned an Associate of Arts degree from Los Angeles Valley College in 1977, a time when microcomputing was shifting from a hobbyist curiosity to a nascent industry.

Smith’s initial exposure to computing came from a 1976–77 Popular Science article on building an S-100 bus computer, a standard at the time among early machines like the Altair and IMSAI. Motivated by this article and a computer class at L.A. Valley College, Smith teamed up with his friend Dave Mosher to build a functioning system—using parts from manufacturers and the help of the Byte Shop in Pasadena.

International Computer Accessories

As personal computers became more common among hobbyists, Smith saw a niche in the market for protective covers and founded International Computer Accessories, a mail-order business that sold clear Plexiglas enclosures for early microcomputers like the IMSAI and Byt-8. This venture helped fund his next and more ambitious undertaking: software publishing for the newly released Apple II.

Founding of Softech / Softape

In 1977, through a connection via Mosher, Smith met Gary Koffler, an aquarium supply salesman and Apple II enthusiast who was actively trading cassette software. Koffler introduced Smith to Bill DePew, a talented self-taught programmer and fellow John Burroughs alumnus (though none of the three realized at first that they had attended the same high school). The trio formed a company originally called Softech, with Smith handling marketing, accounting, and operations, Koffler in charge of sales, and DePew leading development.

Funded in part by Smith’s Plexiglas cover business and a vending machine route he owned, the team leased a 900-square-foot office on Vanowen Street in North Hollywood for $195-a-month and began producing software for the Apple II— then still new for third-party publishers.

Their first product, the Softape Software Exchange, allowed customers to order software “modules” on cassette for $2 each after paying a $20 membership fee. Smith described their inaugural release, Module 1, which included Advanced Dragon Maze, Digital Derby, and Saucer War, as “the first program available nationwide for the Apple II.” Whether or not it was the very first, it was among the pioneers of commercial Apple II software distribution.

Softape and Innovation

After being informed that a San Diego company already owned the Softech name, the partners rebranded as Softape —a nod to their medium of choice: software on cassette tape. In lieu of expensive national advertising, Smith oversaw the creation of a newsletter called Softalk to market their software directly to Apple users and stores. Apple themselves provided support by supplying Softape with pre-printed dealer and warranty labels, which the team used to send out demo copies nationwide.

To save money, Smith and his team also engineered their own audio tape duplication systems. Later, they formed a partnership with GRT Corporation for high-volume replication. Under Smith’s guidance, Softape would go on to publish more than 75 titles, spanning games, productivity tools, educational software, and utilities. Softape also produced hardware, including the Bright Pen light pen, Reset Guard (a hardware add-on to prevent accidental resets), and the Axiom-820 printer.

Founding of Softalk Magazine

In 1979, Smith met Margot Comstock, a freelance editor who had recently become enamored with her Apple II. Using winnings from a $15,000 appearance on Password, Comstock helped bankroll the transformation of the Softape newsletter into a full-color monthly magazine. Together with Comstock (Editor-in-Chief) and DePew (Technical Editor), Smith served as Advertising Manager for the new magazine, which debuted in September 1980 under the same name: Softalk.

Softalk quickly became one of the most respected and widely read Apple II magazines, blending serious tech journalism with humor, interviews, product reviews, and monthly software bestseller charts (based on real retail data). The magazine ran until August 1984, growing at its peak to over 400 pages per issue.

Split and Artsci, Inc.

Despite Softape’s success, tensions between the founders eventually led to a split—reportedly over both business disagreements and a personal relationship. Smith and DePew renamed the company ArtSci, Inc., continuing to publish software and explore products for the Apple II and early Macintosh. Meanwhile, Koffler joined the software publisher Datamost.

Later Career and Artsci Publishing

After Softape transitioned into ArtSci, Inc., Smith continued to lead the company into the 1990s and beyond. Under his leadership, Artsci expanded from software publishing into Internet services and amateur radio publications. Smith became known as an active voice in ham radio circles, where he wrote and published technical materials related to radio operation and licensing.

In addition to his work with Artsci, Smith maintained a public personal website sharing reflections on technology, media, and early Apple II history. He has remained one of the few original Apple II-era software entrepreneurs to sustain a tech-related publishing operation into the modern era.

List of major works

External links