Sorry in advance, readers: It's going to be another downer.

As you probably know, unless you're living under a rock or trapped in the depths of Goldfarb Library (here we go, midterms!), Steven P. Jobs, the visionary founder of AppleInc., passed away on Oct. 5, following a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Jobs was not a celebrity in the sense of the word that we're used to. He wasn't in movies, he didn't do raunchy photoshoots with Terry Richardson, and he didn't go on coke binges with Lindsay Lohan. What he was, though, was an inspiration. Between the Mac, his involvement in Pixar and the iEmpire (iMac, iPod, iPhone, iPad, iEtcetera), Jobs revolutionized the world of technology as we know it. Jobs resigned his position as Apple's CEO late this summer, and while many suspected health reasons were behind his departure, few realized how grave his condition was.

In the hours following his death, it quickly became clear just how many people Jobs has influenced, creatively and professionally. Celebrities like Neil Patrick Harris took to Twitter, but others released long, emotional statements: Sometimes the grief over a role model's passing just can't be contained in 140 characters. President Barack Obama released the following statement: "Michelle and I are saddened to learn of the passing of Steve Jobs. Steve was among the greatest of American innovators—brave enough to think differently, bold enough to believe he could change the world and talented enough to do it." Bill Gates, who many called Jobs' ultimate rival in the technology world, wrote, "The world rarely sees someone who has had the profound impact Steve has had, the effects of which will be felt for many generations to come. For those of us lucky enough to get to work with him, it's been an insanely great honor. I will miss Steve immensely."

Apple has also launched a tribute page on Apple.com, inviting anyone who wishes to share their "thoughts, memories, and condolences." Submissions are not yet available for viewing, but I'm willing to bet that the inbox for "Remembering Steve" is already filling up.

Whether you use a Mac or a PC, an iPod or a Zune, an iPhone or a Droid; whether you love Pixar or Dreamworks; whether you like black turtlenecks or button-down shirts, no one can deny that the world of technological development has lost a brilliant leader. Rest in peace, Steve Jobs—and may all the software in iHeaven be Mac-compatible.