Al Thompson has extensive experience as a writer and training course developer for various computer companies. He has authored more than eighty books on computer applications. He has also functioned as department head for the Publications and Marketing departments.

Al was born in Cleveland, Ohio. Upon graduation from high school, he joined the Marine Corps. Upon discharge, he completed a trade school course at Control Data Institute in Computer Science. He then worked as a manufacturing technician and customer service engineer on large mainframe computers. He lived and worked in the Sant Clara Valley in the 1980s and 90s when computers were being developed.

He completed an undergraduate BSCS degree at San Jose State in Technology Management an MBA from The University of Phoenix, and Doctoral work at San Jose State in Mass Communications.

He has taught business and computer science at the University of Phoenix. Portland Community College, and Pioneer Pacific University.