LIFETIME OF ACHIEVEMENT IN TECHNOLOGY

A prolific tech leader and philanthropist , Bill Gates is best known as the co-founder of Microsoft , one of the world ’ s largest technology companies

Gates developed a passion for computers from an early age , developing his first software program at the age of 13 . In high school he helped form a group of programmers who computerised their school ’ s payroll system and founded Traf-O-Data , a company that sold trafficcounting systems to local governments .

In 1973 , he enrolled at Harvard University , but his stay was short-lived . In 1975 , Gates left Harvard to pursue his passion for software development with his childhood friend , Paul Allen . Together , they founded Microsoft , a company that would go on to dominate the software industry for decades .

Microsoft , under Gates ’ leadership , became the dominant player in the personal computer industry with its MS-DOS operating system and subsequently , its flagship operating system , Windows , first launched in 1985 . Windows would become the standard for personal computers worldwide , with the company becoming the world ’ s largest personal computer software company .

However , Gates ’ tenure at Microsoft was not without controversy . The company faced several legal challenges regarding monopolistic practices , notably a lengthy antitrust lawsuit in the late 1990s . Despite these challenges , Gates remained a pivotal figure in the tech industry , leading Microsoft until he stepped down as CEO in 2000 to focus more on philanthropy , though he remained involved as Chairman and Chief Software Architect .

Since 1987 , Gates has been included in the Forbes list of the world ’ s billionaires . From 1995 to 2017 , he held the Forbes title of the richest person in the world every year , except in 2008 and from 2010 to 2013 .

In addition to his work at Microsoft , Gates is also known for his charitable work . In 2000 , Gates and his wife Melinda established the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation , which is now the world ’ s largest charitable foundation . The foundation has focused on combating poverty , improving global health , and expanding access to education . Gates has given away more than US $ 90bn through the foundation , making him one of the most generous philanthropists in history .

BILL GATES TITLE : CO-FOUNDER COMPANY : MICROSOFT LOCATION : UNITED STATES

Bill Gates , co-founder of Microsoft , is a renowned technology pioneer , business magnate and philanthropist . Born on October 28 , 1955 , he revolutionised personal computing in the 20th century . Post-Microsoft , he focuses on global health and education through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation , striving to tackle pressing global issues . technologymagazine . com 21