Full Name: William Henry Gates III
Date of Birth: October 28, 1955
Place of Birth: Seattle, Washington, USA
Early Life and Education
Bill Gates was born to a well-to-do family; his father, William H. Gates Sr., was a prominent lawyer, and his mother, Mary Maxwell Gates, served on the board of directors for First Interstate BancSystem and the United Way. Gates developed an early interest in computers and programming while attending the private Lakeside School, where he wrote his first software program at age 13.
After scoring a near-perfect score on the SAT, Gates enrolled at Harvard University in 1973. However, he left Harvard in 1975 to pursue a business opportunity with his childhood friend Paul Allen, marking the beginning of Microsoft.
Founding Microsoft
In 1975, Gates and Allen co-founded Microsoft, originally named “Micro-Soft” (a combination of “microcomputer” and “software”). Their big break came in 1980 when IBM contracted Microsoft to provide an operating system for its first personal computer. Microsoft purchased an existing operating system, which they modified and branded as MS-DOS, licensing it to IBM and other PC manufacturers. This licensing model propelled Microsoft to the forefront of the software industry.
Success and Innovation
Under Gates’ leadership, Microsoft introduced several landmark products:
- Windows Operating System: Launched in 1985, it became the dominant OS for personal computers.
- Microsoft Office Suite: Released in 1989, it included essential productivity applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Gates’ vision and business acumen turned Microsoft into one of the world’s most valuable companies, and he became one of the richest individuals globally.
Transition to Philanthropy
In 2000, Gates stepped down as CEO of Microsoft, transitioning to the role of Chief Software Architect. In 2008, he left his day-to-day role at Microsoft to focus on philanthropy through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which he co-founded with his then-wife, Melinda French Gates, in 2000. The foundation focuses on global health, education, and poverty alleviation, donating billions of dollars to various causes, including efforts to eradicate diseases like polio and malaria.
Recent Activities
Even after stepping back from Microsoft, Gates continued to influence the tech industry and global philanthropy. He became a prominent voice on issues like climate change, clean energy, and global health crises. In 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Gates Foundation played a crucial role in funding vaccine development and distribution efforts.
Personal Life
Gates married Melinda French in 1994, and they have three children. The couple announced their divorce in 2021 but continue to co-chair the foundation.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
| Full Name | William Henry Gates III |
| Date of Birth | October 28, 1955 |
| Place of Birth | Seattle, Washington, USA |
| Education | Attended Harvard University (dropped out) |
| Early Interests | Computers, programming |
| Co-Founder | Microsoft, with Paul Allen |
| Key Microsoft Products | MS-DOS, Windows Operating System, Microsoft Office Suite |
| Microsoft CEO | 1975-2000 |
| Philanthropy | Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (focus on global health, education, poverty alleviation) |
| Post-Microsoft Role | Chief Software Architect (2000-2008), Philanthropist |
| Personal Life | Married Melinda French (1994-2021), three children |
| Recent Focus | Climate change, clean energy, global health, COVID-19 vaccine funding |
| Legacy | Visionary entrepreneur, tech industry pioneer, leading philanthropist |
Bill Gates’ journey from a computer prodigy to a tech titan and then a global philanthropist highlights his multifaceted influence on technology, business, and humanitarian efforts. His legacy continues to shape both the digital world and global development initiatives.