20 Things You Might Not Know About Microsoft and Bill Gates
Microsoft Corporation and its co-founder, Bill Gates, have had a profound impact on the technology industry and the world at large. Here are 20 intriguing facts about Microsoft and Bill Gates that might surprise you.
1. Early Beginnings in Programming
Bill Gates showed an early interest in computers. At just 13, he wrote his first computer program, a game called “Tic-Tac-Toe,” which he created on a computer at Lakeside School in Seattle. This early fascination with technology would set the stage for his future career.
2. The Original Microsoft Name
Before becoming “Microsoft,” the company was initially named “Micro-Soft,” a combination of “microcomputer” and “software.” The hyphen was dropped in 1981.
3. Microsoft’s First Big Break
Microsoft’s major breakthrough came when they signed a contract with IBM in 1980 to provide an operating system for their first personal computer. Microsoft acquired a system called QDOS (Quick and Dirty Operating System) and renamed it MS-DOS. This deal marked the beginning of Microsoft’s dominance in the software industry.
4. The Microsoft Monopoly Case
In 1998, Microsoft was accused of monopolistic practices by the U.S. Department of Justice. The company was accused of using its market dominance to stifle competition, particularly with its Internet Explorer browser. The case resulted in a landmark judgment that imposed restrictions on Microsoft’s business practices.
5. Bill Gates’ Annual Giving
Bill Gates and his wife Melinda Gates have been notable philanthropists. Through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, they have donated billions to various causes, including global health, education, and poverty alleviation. Gates has consistently been one of the world’s top philanthropists.
6. Gates’ Role in Microsoft’s Growth
Bill Gates was known for his intense focus on Microsoft’s success. He famously set a goal to read a book per week and believed that reading was crucial for staying informed and innovative. This dedication helped Microsoft grow rapidly during its formative years.
7. The Launch of Windows 95
Windows 95 was a significant milestone for Microsoft. Its launch in August 1995 was accompanied by a high-profile marketing campaign that included a famous TV commercial featuring the song “Start Me Up” by The Rolling Stones. Windows 95 introduced the Start menu and taskbar, features that became central to Windows operating systems.
8. Microsoft’s Acquisition Strategy
Microsoft has used acquisitions to expand its product offerings and market reach. Notable acquisitions include LinkedIn in 2016 for $26.2 billion and GitHub in 2018 for $7.5 billion. These acquisitions have helped Microsoft strengthen its position in social media and software development communities.
9. The Origin of the Blue Screen of Death
The infamous “Blue Screen of Death” (BSOD) is an error screen displayed by Microsoft Windows when a system crash occurs. The term “blue screen” originated from the color of the screen and has become a symbol of system failures and errors in Windows.
10. Bill Gates’ Decision to Step Down
Bill Gates stepped down as CEO of Microsoft in 2000, handing over the role to Steve Ballmer. Gates shifted his focus to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, where he has since dedicated his efforts to philanthropy and global development.
11. The Rise of Microsoft Office
Microsoft Office, which includes applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, was first released in 1989 for Macintosh and in 1990 for Windows. It became the standard productivity suite for businesses and individuals, shaping the way people work with documents and presentations.
12. Microsoft’s Role in Gaming
Microsoft entered the gaming industry with the launch of the Xbox in 2001. The Xbox was a significant success, leading to the development of subsequent consoles such as the Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Microsoft’s investment in gaming has also included acquiring game studios and developing exclusive titles.
13. Gates’ Harvard Dropout Story
Bill Gates dropped out of Harvard University in 1975 to pursue his passion for computer programming and to build Microsoft. Despite leaving Harvard, Gates has often spoken about the importance of education and the value of self-learning.
14. The Microsoft Surface
Microsoft entered the hardware market with the launch of the Surface tablet in 2012. The Surface was designed to bridge the gap between tablets and laptops, offering a versatile device that could serve multiple functions.
15. Gates’ Contribution to Malaria Eradication
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has made significant contributions to malaria eradication efforts. The foundation has funded research and initiatives aimed at developing vaccines and treatments, as well as improving mosquito control strategies.
16. Microsoft’s Cloud Computing
Microsoft’s entry into cloud computing with Azure in 2010 marked a significant shift for the company. Azure has become a major player in the cloud services market, providing a range of services from data storage to machine learning.
17. Bill Gates’ Love for Reading
Bill Gates is an avid reader and has publicly shared his reading list. He often recommends books on his blog and through his social media channels, covering a wide range of topics including science, history, and business.
18. Microsoft’s Open Source Contributions
In recent years, Microsoft has embraced open source software. The company has contributed to various open source projects and released some of its own software as open source, reflecting a shift in its approach to software development and community engagement.
19. The Windows 11 Launch
Windows 11, released in October 2021, represents the latest major update to Microsoft’s operating system. It features a redesigned interface, improved performance, and new features aimed at enhancing productivity and user experience.
20. Bill Gates’ Environmental Initiatives
Bill Gates has also been involved in environmental issues through his investments in clean energy and climate change initiatives. His foundation and personal investments aim to accelerate the development of sustainable technologies and solutions to combat climate change.
These 20 facts offer a glimpse into the significant impact Microsoft and Bill Gates have had on technology, philanthropy, and global development. Their journey from a small software startup to a global technology leader and philanthropist is a testament to their vision and influence in shaping the modern world.