The death of Apple Inc co-founder Steve Jobs prompted an outpouring of comments and tributes from political, technology, entertainment and business leaders. A selection:

BILL GATES, MICROSOFT CO-FOUNDER AND CHAIRMAN

Steve and I first met nearly 30 years ago, and have been colleagues, competitors and friends over the course of more than half our lives. 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.

MARK ZUCKERBERG, FACEBOOK FOUNDER AND CEO, ON FACEBOOK

Steve, thank you for being a mentor and a friend. Thanks for showing that what you build can change the world. I will miss you.

BOB IGER, CEO OF WALT DISNEY CO

Steve Jobs was a great friend as well as a trusted advisor. His legacy will extend far beyond the products he created or the businesses he built. It will be the millions of people he inspired, the lives he changed, and the culture he defined. Steve was such an 'original,' with a thoroughly creative, imaginative mind that defined an era. Despite all he accomplished, it feels like he was just getting started.

MITT ROMNEY, REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL HOPEFUL, ON TWITTER

Steve Jobs is an inspiration to American entrepreneurs. He will be missed.

ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER, FORMER CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR, ON

TWITTER

Steve lived the California Dream every day of his life and he changed the world and inspired all of us.

INVESTOR MARC ANDREESSEN

Steve was the best of the best. Like Mozart and Picasso, he may never be equaled.

PAUL ALLEN, CO-FOUNDER OF MICROSOFT

We've lost a unique tech pioneer and auteur who knew how to make amazingly great products. Steve fought a long battle against tough odds in a very brave way. He kept doing amazing things in the face of all that adversity. As someone who has had his own medical challenges, I couldn't help but be encouraged by how he persevered.

MICHAEL DELL, CEO OF DELL INC

Today the world lost a visionary leader, the technology industry lost an iconic legend and I lost a friend and fellow founder. The legacy of Steve Jobs will be remembered for generations to come.

LARRY PAGE, CEO OF GOOGLE, ON GOOGLE+

He was a great man with incredible achievements and amazing brilliance. He always seemed to be able to say in very few words what you actually should have been thinking before you thought it. His focus on the user experience above all else has always been an inspiration to me.

STEVE CASE, FOUNDER OF AOL, ON TWITTER

I feel honored to have known Steve Jobs. He was the most innovative entrepreneur of our generation. His legacy will live on for the ages.

JEFF BEWKES, CEO OF TIME WARNER

The world is a better place because of Steve, and the stories our company tells have been made richer by the products he created. He was a dynamic and fearless competitor, collaborator, and friend. In a society that has seen incredible technological innovation during our lifetimes, Steve may be the one true icon whose legacy will be remembered for a thousand years.

DICK COSTOLO, CEO OF TWITTER, ON TWITTER

Once in a rare while, somebody comes along who doesn't just raise the bar, they create an entirely new standard of measurement. #RIPSteveJobs

ARTHUR SULZBERGER, CHAIRMAN OF THE NEW YORK TIMES CO

Steve Jobs was a visionary and a wonderful friend of The New York Times. He pushed the boundaries of how all providers of news and information interact with our users. I am among the many who deeply regret his passing.

JOHN RICCITIELLO, CEO OF ELECTRONIC ARTS

Steve was one of a kind. For many of us working in technology and entertainment, Steve was a new kind of hero that lead with big, bold moves and would not settle for less than perfection. He is the best role model for a leader that aspires to be great.

SPIKE LEE, PRODUCER/DIRECTOR/ACTOR, ON TWITTER

VISIONARIES are always called CRAZY in the beginning. A VISIONARY sees things that everybody else says is IMPOSSIBLE, sees a World that People can't invision (sic)-MAC, IPOD, IPAD, IPHONE, ITUNES and PIXAR. I have nothing but Love for Mr. Jobs and Apple, they have always given me and my films L-O-V-E. Peace and Blessings to his family.

Michael Dell Mark zuckerberg Bill Gates Larry page