Bill Gates - Microsoft, wife and children (2023)

(1955-)

Who is Bill Gates?

Merchant and businessman Bill Gates and his business partnerPaul AllenHe founded and grew the world's largest software company, Microsoft, through technological innovation, a sharp business strategy and aggressive business tactics. In the process, Gates became one of the richest men in the world. In February 2014, Gates announced that he was stepping down as Microsoft chairman to focus on the charity work of his foundation, TheBill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Early life

Gates was born William Henry Gates III on October 28, 1955 in Seattle, Washington. Gates grew up in an upper-middle-class family with her older sister, Kristianne, and younger sister, Libby. His father, William H. Gates Sr., was a promising if somewhat shy law student when he met his future wife, Mary Maxwell. She was an athletic and outgoing student at the University of Washington who became actively involved in student affairs and leadership.

Gates' family environment was warm and close-knit, and all three boys were encouraged to be competitive and strive for excellence. Gates showed early signs of competitiveness when he coordinated family sports games at his summer home on Puget Sound. He also enjoyed playing board games (risk was his favorite) and excelled at Monopoly.

Gates was very close to his mother, Mary, who, after a brief teaching career, devoted her time to raising children and working on charitable and civic causes. He has also served on various corporate boards, including Seattle's First Interstate Bank (founded by his grandfather), United Way, and International Business Machines (IBM). She often took Gates with her when she volunteered at schools and community organizations.

Training

Gates was a voracious reader as a child, spending many hours poring over reference works such as the encyclopedia. Around the age of 11 or 12, Gates' parents began to worry about his behavior. He did well in school but seemed bored and withdrawn at times, and his parents worried that he would become a loner.

Although they believed strongly in public education, his parents enrolled him in Seattle's exclusive Lakeside School when he turned 13. He thrived in most of his subjects, excelling in math and science, but also very good at acting and English.

While I was at Lakeside School, a computer company in Seattle offered to give students computer time. The Mothers Club used the proceeds from the sale of school supplies to buy a telex terminal for the students. Gates was fascinated by the possibilities of a computer and spent much of his free time working at the terminal. He wrote a tic-tac-toe program in the BASIC computer language that allowed users to play against the computer.

Gates graduated from Lakeside in 1973. He scored 1,590 out of 1,600 on the university's SAT exam, a feat of intellectual achievement he bragged about for several years when introducing himself to new people.

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Harvard dropout

Gates enrolled at Harvard University in the fall of 1973, originally considering a career in law. To the dismay of his parents, Gates dropped out of college in 1975 to continue his Microsoft business with his partner Allen.

Gates spent more time in the computer lab than in class. I didn't really have a study plan; He got by with a few hours of sleep, prepared for an exam and passed it with a decent grade.

Meeting and connection with Paul Allen

Gates met Allen, who was two years his senior, in high school at Lakeside School. The two quickly became friends and bonded over their shared enthusiasm for computers, despite being very different people. Allen was rather reserved and shy. Gates was energetic and at times combative.

Regardless of their differences, Allen and Gates spent much of their free time working on shows together. From time to time, the two would disagree and argue over who was right or who should run the computer lab. At one point, their argument escalated to the point that Allen threw Gates out of the computer room.

At one point, Gates and Allen had their school's computer privileges revoked for exploiting bugs in the software to get free computer time from the company that provided the computers. After their probationary period, they were allowed back into the computer room when they offered to debug the program. During this time, Gates developed a payroll program for the computer company the boys hacked and a programming program for the school.

In 1970, at the age of 15, Gates and Allen began working together and developed "Traf-o-Data," a computer program that monitored traffic patterns in Seattle. They got $20,000 for their efforts. Gates and Allen wanted to start their own company, but Gates' parents wanted him to finish school and go to college, where they hoped he would work to become a lawyer.

Allen went to Washington State University while Gates went to Harvard, although the two stayed in touch. After two years of college, Allen dropped out and moved to Boston, Massachusetts to work at Honeywell. Around this time he showed Gates a copy ofpopular electronicsMagazine featuring an article about the Altair 8800 minicomputer kit. Both young men were fascinated by the possibilities this computer could create in the world of personal computing.

The Altair was made by a small company in Albuquerque, New Mexico called Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems (MITS). Gates and Allen contacted the company and announced that they were working on a BASIC software program that would run the Altair computer. They didn't actually have an Altair to work with or the code to run it, but they wanted to know if MITS would be interested in hiring someone to develop such software.

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MITS was, and its president, Ed Roberts, asked the guys to do a demo. Gates and Allen rushed to spend the next two months writing the BASIC software at the Harvard Computer Lab. Allen traveled to Albuquerque for a test at MITS as he had never tried it on an Altair computer. It worked perfectly. Allen was hired at MITS and Gates soon left Harvard to work with him. Together they founded Microsoft.

Allen remained at Microsoft until 1983 when he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease. Although his cancer went into remission a year later with intensive treatment, Allen left the company. There are many rumors as to why Allen left Microsoft. Some say Gates pushed him, but many say it was a life-changing experience for Allen and that he saw there were other opportunities to invest his time.

Microsoft Foundation

In 1975, Gates and Allen founded Micro-Soft, a combination of "microcomputer" and "software" (they dropped the hyphen within a year). The company's first product was BASIC software, which ran on the Altair computer.

At first things didn't go smoothly. Although Microsoft's BASIC software program for the Altair computer earned the company a fee and royalties, it did not cover overhead. According to Gates' later account, only about 10 percent of the people using BASIC on the Altair computer had actually paid for it.

Microsoft's BASIC software was popular with computer hobbyists, who received pre-sale copies, reproduced them, and gave them away for free. Back then, many PC enthusiasts didn't care about the money. They felt that the ease of duplication and distribution allowed them to share software with friends and other computer enthusiasts. Gates thought otherwise. He considered the free distribution of software to be theft, especially when it was software intended for sale.

Software from Microsoft for PC IBM

As the computer industry grew and companies like Apple, Intel, and IBM developed hardware and components, Gates was constantly on the move touting the merits of Microsoft software applications. He often took his mother with him. Mary was well-respected and well-connected, having served on various corporate boards, including IBM. Gates met the CEO of IBM through Mary.

In November 1980, IBM was looking for software that could run its next personal computer (PC) and turned to Microsoft. Legend has it that when someone at IBM first met Gates, he mistook him for an office assistant and asked him to serve coffee.

Gates seemed very young, but he was quick to impress IBM and convince them that he and his company could meet their needs. The only problem was that Microsoft hadn't developed the basic operating system that would run IBM's new computers.

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Not to be held back, Gates bought an operating system designed to run on computers similar to the IBM PC. He struck a deal with the developer of the software, making Microsoft the exclusive licensing agent and then full owner of the software, but did not inform them of the deal with IBM.

The company later sued Microsoft and Gates for hiding important information. Microsoft settled out of court for an undisclosed amount, but neither Gates nor Microsoft have admitted wrongdoing.

Gates had to adapt the newly acquired software to the IBM PC. He gave it away for a fee of $50,000, the same price he paid for the software in its original form. IBM wanted to buy the source code that would have given the information to the operating system.

Gates declined, instead proposing that IBM pay a license fee for copies of the software sold with his computers. This allowed Microsoft to license the software, which they called MS-DOS, to any other PC manufacturer in case other computer companies cloned the IBM PC, which they soon did. Microsoft also released software called Softcard that allowed Microsoft BASIC to run on Apple II computers.

After developing software for IBM, Microsoft's growth skyrocketed between 1979 and 1981. Employees grew from 25 to 128 and sales grew from $2.5 million to $16 million. In mid-1981, Gates and Allen founded Microsoft, and Gates was appointed president and chief executive officer. Allen has been appointed executive vice president.

By 1983, Microsoft went global with offices in the UK and Japan. An estimated 30 percent of the world's computers ran on its software.

Rivalry with Steve Jobs

Although their rivalry is legendary, Microsoft and Apple shared many of their early innovations. 1981, Apple, then gone throughSteve Jobs, invited Microsoft to help develop software for Macintosh computers. Some developers have been involved in both Microsoft development and Microsoft application development for the Macintosh. The collaboration could be seen in some common names between Microsoft and Macintosh systems.

Through this knowledge sharing, Microsoft developed Windows, a system that used a mouse to control a graphical user interface and displayed text and images on the screen. This differed greatly from the text-and-keyboard-driven MS-DOS system, where all text formatting appeared as code on the screen, rather than actual printed text.

Gates quickly recognized the threat this type of software could pose to MS-DOS and Microsoft in general. For the novice user who made up the majority of the buying public, graphic images from competing VisiCorp software running on a Macintosh system would be much easier to use.

Gates announced in an advertising campaign that a new Microsoft operating system was being developed that would use a graphical interface. It would be called "Windows" and would be compatible with all PC software products developed on the MS-DOS system. The announcement was a hoax as Microsoft had no such program in development.

A competitive reputation

Despite Microsoft's success, Gates never felt entirely secure. Always keeping the competition over his shoulder, Gates developed a fiery drive and competitive spirit. Gates' assistant reported that he got to work early and found someone sleeping under a desk. He considered calling security or the police until he found out it was Gates.

Gates' intelligence enabled him to see all aspects of the software industry, from product development to corporate strategy. He analyzed each company move, profiled and reviewed all possible cases, asking questions about anything that could happen.

I expected everyone in the company to show the same level of commitment. His confrontational leadership style became the stuff of legend, challenging employees and their ideas to keep the creative process flowing. An unprepared presenter might hear, "That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard!" from doors.

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This was a test of both the employee's rigor and Gates' passion for his company. He constantly checked whether the people around him really believed in his ideas.

Microsoft Office and antitrust lawsuits

Outside of the company, Gates built a reputation as a ruthless competitor. Several technology companies, led by IBM, began developing their own operating system called OS/2 to replace MS-DOS. Rather than give in to pressure, Gates has pushed Windows software forward, improving the way it works and expanding its uses.

In 1989, Microsoft introduced Microsoft Office, which bundled Office productivity applications such as Microsoft Word and Excel into one system that was compatible with all Microsoft products.

Applications were not easily compatible with OS/2. Microsoft's new version of Windows sold 100,000 copies in just two weeks, and OS/2 soon faded. This gave Microsoft a virtual monopoly on PC operating systems. Soon after, the Federal Trade Commission began investigating Microsoft for unfair marketing practices.

During the 1990s, Microsoft faced a series of investigations from the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice. Some related allegations that Microsoft made unfair deals with computer manufacturers who installed the Windows operating system on their computers. Other indictments involved Microsoft forcing computer manufacturers to sell Microsoft's Internet Explorer as a condition of selling the Windows operating system with their computers.

At some point, Microsoft faced a possible dissolution of its two divisions: operating systems and software development. Microsoft fought back, recalling Gates' earlier struggles against software piracy and proclaiming that such restrictions are a threat to innovation. Ultimately, Microsoft was able to come to an agreement with the federal government in order to avoid a separation.

Regardless, Gates found ingenious ways to deflect the pressure with light-hearted commercials and public appearances at computer trade shows where he posedStar TrekIt's Mr. Spock. Gates directed the company and the state weather investigations in the 1990s.

leave microsoft

In 2000, Gates stepped down from day-to-day operations at Microsoft, handing over the position of CEO to a college friend, Steve Ballmer, who had been with Microsoft since 1980. Gates positioned himself as Chief Software Architect so he could focus on what he saw as the more passionate side of the business, although he remained CEO.

In 2006, Gates announced that he was leaving Microsoft full-time to spend more time with the foundation. His last full day at Microsoft was June 27, 2008.

In February 2014, Gates resigned as chairman of Microsoft to take up a new position as a technology consultant. Former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer is succeeded by 46-year-old Satya Nadella.

Bill and Melinda Gates

Personal life

In 1987, a 23-year-old Microsoft product manager was namedmelinda frenchcaught the attention of Gates, then 32. Very bright and organized, Melinda was a perfect match for Gates. Over time, their relationship grew as they discovered an intimate and intellectual connection. On January 1, 1994, Melinda and Gates married in Hawaii.

In 1995, following the devastating death of their mother from breast cancer just months after their marriage, they took time off to travel and gain a new perspective on life and the world. Their first daughter, Jennifer, was born in 1996. Their son Rory was born in 1999 and a second daughter, Phoebe, was born in 2002.

The couple announced the end of their marriage in May 2021.

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personal wealth

In March 1986, Gates took Microsoft public with an initial public offering (IPO) at $21 per share, making him an instant millionaire by the age of 31. $520 million from Microsoft.

Over time, the company's shares increased in value and split several times. In 1987, Gates became a billionaire when the stock hit $90.75 a share. Since then, Gates has topped, or near the top, on Forbes' annual list of America's 400 Richest People. In 1999, when stock prices were at an all-time high and the stock had split eight times since going public, Gates' fortune briefly surpassed $101 billion.

Heim

In 1997, Gates and his family moved into a 55,000-square-foot home on the shores of Lake Washington. Although the house serves as a business center, it is said to be very comfortable for the couple and their three children.

Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

In 1994, Bill and Melinda established the William H. Gates Foundation, dedicated to supporting education, global health and investing in low-income communities around the world. The organization also deals with domestic issues, such as helping American students prepare for college.

Under Melinda's influence, Bill became interested in following in his mother's footsteps and studying the philanthropic work of America's industrial titans.Andrew CarnegiejJohn D. Rockefeller. He realized he had an obligation to donate more of his fortune to charity.

In 2000, the couple merged several family foundations and contributed $28 billion to create the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Over the next several years, Bill's involvement with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation occupied much of his time and even more of his interest.

Since leaving Microsoft, Gates has devoted much of his time and energy to the work of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. In 2015, Gates advocated the National Common Core Standards in grades K-12 and in charter schools. Gates also proved to be an innovative employer when, around this time, the foundation announced it would give its employees a year's paid leave after the birth or adoption of a child.

In 2017, the foundation released the first of its annual Goalkeepers reports, an examination of progress in several key public health-related areas, including child mortality, malnutrition and HIV. Back then, Gates identified infectious and chronic diseases as the two biggest public health issues to be addressed in the next decade.

In April 2018, Gates announced that he would be joining the co-founder of Google.Larry PageProvide $12 million for a universal flu vaccine. He said the funds would come in the form of grants of up to $2 million for individual efforts that are "bold and innovative" with a goal of beginning clinical trials by 2021. Some wondered if $12 million would be enough to see a real medical breakthrough, others praised the intentions behind the investment, while Gates indicated there could be more to come.

Alzheimer research

Gates announced in November 2017 that he was investing $50 million of his own money into the Dementia Discovery Fund. Another $50 million would follow for startups involved in Alzheimer's research. It's said to have been a personal matter for Gates, who has seen the disease's devastating impact on members of his own family.

"Any type of treatment would be a huge improvement from where we are today," he told CNN, adding that "the long-term goal has to be a cure."

Building a "smart city" in Arizona

In 2017, it was revealed that one of Gates' companies had invested $80 million to develop a "smart city" near Phoenix, Arizona. The proposed city, named Belmont, "will create a forward-thinking community with a communications and infrastructure backbone that embraces cutting-edge technology and is based on high-speed digital networks, data centers, new manufacturing technologies, and business models, autonomous vehicles and autonomous vehicle logistics centers," it said the real estate investment group Belmont Partners.

Of the nearly 25,000 acres of land earmarked for the site; It has been reported that 3,800 acres will be devoted to office, commercial and retail space. Another 470 hectares are used for public schools and create space for 80,000 housing units.

Coronavirus

After years of warning that the world was not prepared for the next pandemic, Gates saw his ominous words come true with the outbreak of the novel coronavirus in 2020. In March, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation partnered with the Wellcome Trust and Mastercard to pledge $125 million for efforts to contain the outbreak, and Gates later announced his foundation was willing to donate billions of Investing dollars in building factories to develop a vaccine.

Prices

Gates has received numerous awards for his philanthropic work.TimeThe magazine named Gates one of the most influential people of the 20th century. The magazine also named Gates and his wife Melinda, along with the lead singer of rock band U2,gut, as People of the Year 2005.

Gates has several honorary doctorates from universities around the world. He was knighted as an Honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the British EmpireQueen Elizabeth the secondin the year 2005.

In 2006, Gates and his wife were awarded the Order of the Aztec Eagle by the Mexican government for their worldwide philanthropic work in health and education.

In 2016, the couple was recognized again for their philanthropic work when they were named recipients of the Presidential Medal of FreedomPresident Barack Obama.

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Name: Bill Gates
Year of birth: 1955
Date of Birth: October 28, 1955
State of birth: Washington
Heimatstadt: Seattle
Country of birth: United States
Male gender
Best Known For: Entrepreneur Bill Gates founded the world's largest software company, Microsoft, with Paul Allen, and went on to become one of the richest men in the world.
The industry

Internet/IT
education and academy

Zodiac sign: Scorpio
schools

school by the lake
Harvard University

Interesting data

Bill Gates is one of the richest men in the world.
Bill Gates left Harvard to found Microsoft with his friend Paul Allen.
In 2014, Gates resigned as Microsoft chairman to focus on the charitable work of his foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

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Article title: Biography of Bill Gates
Autor: Biography.com Publishers
Website Name: The Biography.com website
URL: https://www.biography.com/business-leaders/bill-gates
access date:
Publisher: A&E; TV channel
Last updated: May 3, 2021
Initial Release Date: April 3, 2014

Success is a bad teacher. It tempts smart people into thinking they can't lose.
Be nice to the nerds. You will most likely end up working for one.
Bill is basically unimaginative and has never invented anything, so I think he's now more comfortable with philanthropy than technology. He just shamelessly stole other people's ideas.
In the virtual world we are all created equal, and we can use this equality to help address some of the sociological problems that society in the physical world has yet to solve.
I firmly believe that freedom to migrate as much as possible, and obviously there are political constraints, is a good thing.
Showing people the problems and showing them the solutions will move them to action.
Like almost everyone who uses email, I get a lot of spam every day. Much of this is offered to help me get out of debt or get rich quick. It would be fun if it wasn't so irritating.
I think computers are the most amazing tool we can use to stimulate our curiosity and inventiveness, to help us solve problems that even the smartest people couldn't solve on their own.
I've always been an optimist, and I think that's rooted in my belief that the power of creativity and intelligence can make the world a better place.
If being a geek means you're willing to take a 400-page book about vaccines and where they work and don't work and study it and use it to challenge people to learn more, then then absolutely. i'm a geek
It's a good reader, but there's nothing on the iPad that I look at and think, "Oh, I wish Microsoft had had it."
The technology business has many twists and turns. It's probably so much fun that no company rests on its laurels.