[[Bill Gates]] is an American business magnate, software developer, and philanthropist. He is best known as the co-founder of [[Microsoft]] Corporation, one of the world's largest and most successful technology companies. In 1975, Gates founded Microsoft with his childhood friend Paul Allen. They started by developing and selling software for personal computers, with their breakthrough product being the MS-DOS operating system. This operating system became a standard for IBM-compatible personal computers in the 1980s. Under Gates' leadership as CEO, Microsoft became a dominant force in the software industry. The company released numerous successful products such as Windows OS (starting with Windows 1.0), Office Suite (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Internet Explorer web browser, and Xbox gaming consoles. Microsoft's growth was fueled by its ability to innovate and adapt to changing technologies. It played a significant role in popularizing personal computers and revolutionizing the way people work, communicate, and access information. Bill Gates stepped down as CEO of Microsoft in 2000 but remained active as a chairman and advisor until 2014 when he transitioned to a more philanthropic focus through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. This foundation aims to improve healthcare and reduce poverty globally through various initiatives such as vaccinations, education programs, agricultural development, and more. Over time, Bill Gates has become one of the wealthiest individuals in the world due to his success with Microsoft. However, he has also dedicated significant resources towards charitable causes through his foundation. Today, Microsoft continues to be a leading technology company under new leadership but still carries Bill Gate's influence through his legacy of innovation and entrepreneurship. # References [[@lettermanBillGatesExplains2022|Bill Gates Explains the Internet to Dave (1995) | Letterman]]