Google+, the new social network from Google, wasn't left out of the hubbub, either. Peter Petrovski posted on Google+, saying, "He will be missed. He has inspired me like none other, the closest thing I have to an idol."

The social networks had another workout earlier this week when an hit the East Coast. Before the shaking had stopped, people were tweeting and posting news about the quake and letting loved ones know they were OK.

Sharon Gaudin covers the Internet and Web 2.0, emerging technologies, and desktop and laptop chips for Computerworld. Follow Sharon on Twitter at or subscribe to . Her e-mail address is .

in Computerworld's Web 2.0 and Web Apps Topic Center.