Bill Gates, born William Henry Gates III on October 28, 1955, in Seattle, Washington, is an American business magnate, software developer, philanthropist, and author. He co-founded Microsoft Corporation, the world's largest personal-computer software company, alongside Paul Allen in 1975.
Gates showed an early interest in computers, having gained access to a terminal at Lakeside School, which he attended. He and Allen developed a version of the programming language BASIC for the first microcomputer, the Altair 8800, which gained them recognition in the industry.
In 1975, Gates dropped out of Harvard University to pursue his vision of developing software for the emerging personal computer market. Together with Allen, he founded Microsoft. The company's big break came in 1980 when they signed a contract with IBM to provide an operating system for their first personal computer. This led to the development of MS-DOS, which became the foundation for Microsoft's future success.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Microsoft grew rapidly, dominating the personal computer operating system market with products like Windows. Gates played a pivotal role in shaping the company's strategy and vision, driving its expansion into various software markets.
In 2000, Gates stepped down as CEO of Microsoft and handed over the reins to Steve Ballmer while retaining the position of Chairman. He gradually reduced his involvement in the company to focus on philanthropy.
Together with his then-wife Melinda, Gates established the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in 2000, which is one of the world's largest private charitable foundations. The foundation focuses on global health, education, and poverty alleviation, supporting initiatives such as eradicating polio, improving access to vaccines, and enhancing educational opportunities for underprivileged children.
Gates has also authored several books, including "The Road Ahead" and "Business @ the Speed of Thought," which discuss his vision for the future of technology and business.
In recent years, Gates has continued to be actively involved in philanthropy while also investing in various technological and scientific ventures. His contributions to both the technology industry and global humanitarian efforts have earned him widespread recognition and accolades, cementing his legacy as one of the most influential figures of the modern era.
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