Bill thinks it will be more effective to use a personal computer. He hopes to help solve these daily problems that millions of people will encounter. Of course, he also wants to make money in the process.
After some weighing, he decided to leave Harvard-at that time, he just wanted to leave the university for "a while"-and Paul? Allen (Paul? Allen, Bill? A friend of Gates, one of the founders of Microsoft. ) set up your own software company together.
Bill's parents disagreed with his decision and advised him to give up the idea. Give up Harvard? Even if you want to start your own business, you should lay a solid knowledge foundation. Besides, a famous school is a pass for famous students!
Bill has great respect for his parents' opinions. He didn't convince them, so he had to go back to Harvard and study for another semester or two. 1977, Bill who has reached the age of 2 1 is regarded as an adult in the United States? Gates left Harvard for Albuquerque. This time, his departure became the last dropout.
Bill and Allen formally registered a partnership company in New Mexico called "Microsoft Corporation". The name is a combination of "micro" and "soft" because they were mainly making software for microcomputers at that time.
1975, he wrote a letter to a newsletter called Computer Notes, which caused a sensation. He pointed out: if computer users just copy computer programs without paying, it is tantamount to stealing. Bill thinks that software programs are "intellectual property rights", which means that they should be protected by copyright law like books.
1978, Bill decided to order the company to move with 100 employees.
Move to where? Although Silicon Valley in California was booming at that time, attracting the attention of the whole world, and many computer companies were holding banners there, Bill had always been close to his parents and thought that he should not stay away from Old Gates, so he chose Bellevue, Washington, near Seattle. And remove the small horizontal line from the company name and change it from "Microsoft" to "Microsoft".
1980. A piece of news excited the computer industry: IBM (International Business Machines Corporation), a giant producer of mainframe computers, made a major decision to set foot in personal computers! They threw a hydrangea to choose a software developer, and the hydrangea hit Microsoft.
The deal was soon settled: Microsoft provided IBM with a series of software, including the operating system (OS). The operating system is the main program that guides the operation of the computer, and is responsible for controlling the keyboard, display and information storage system.
Here's another story: IBM first contacted Microsoft to design an operating system for PC computers, but at that time they were not good at writing such software. So Bill introduced IBM to Digital Research (DR) Company, which is famous for developing CP/M operating system. Gary, the designer of CP/M? Gildo, a professor at the Graduate School of the United States Navy, happened to be absent that day, and his wife refused to sign the confidentiality agreement. The representative of IBM had to ask Microsoft to find another way. Bill? Gates now remembers that Patterson, a software genius in Seattle, once wrote a QDOS software that can be converted into the operating system of a personal computer. So he accepted the job at IBM.
Everyone can take shortcuts, and their intelligence is different. The delivery deadline of IBM is fixed, and Microsoft has no time to start from scratch, so it bought software from this company called Seattle Computer Products and improved it on this basis. In a year's time, half of Microsoft employees, about 30 people, raided the project day and night. If it is in China, there will probably be a name like "OS War". The battle was finally won: they reformed the operating system they bought, made it suitable for IBM computers, and named it "MS-DOS".
Bill gave the operating system to IBM by selling the copyright license and let it be used on personal computers. This means that for every IBM PC with MS-DOS installed, IBM must pay a certain percentage of money to Microsoft.
198 1 year, IBM personal computers were put on the market and became an instant hit. Consumers flocked to buy, and IBM's copyright royalties continued to flow into Microsoft.
1986, when the conditions are ripe, Microsoft will go public. Microsoft shares were listed at $265,438+0 per share, but rose to $28 at the end of the afternoon. Because of Microsoft's well-known performance, investors are optimistic about Microsoft shares and rush to buy them, which makes the stock value soar in one day 1/3. Microsoft employees can now sell their shares in the stock market for a lot of cash, or continue to hold shares, hoping it can climb higher.
Microsoft's share price is like a runaway wild horse, running forward without hesitation. Due to the skyrocketing stock price, some people, including Bill? Gates and Steve? Balmer, they all became millionaires and billionaires-at least on paper. If they sell their shares, they will become really rich from books. Bill sold shares worth more than/kloc-0.0 million dollars, but as the founder of the company, he still owns more shares in Microsoft than everyone else, and he owns 45% of the company.
After becoming a rich man, Bill actually remains the same, and hasn't changed much.
1987, they also introduced the second generation of Windows and a spreadsheet software called "Excel".
Bill will always eat the bowl and look at the pot, always trying to surpass others.
Some people say that Bill is a "workaholic", which is true. He has few other interests. 1983, he bought a house near his parents' home. The house has an indoor swimming pool, but there is almost no furniture. There is a desk in the study, with a computer on it, and computer magazines are piled up in a mess. This computer is connected to the company's computer system through telephone lines, so he can master the company's operation at home, receive reports and instructions from employees, and send various emails from home to discuss with the company's senior management and department heads. He is a "night owl" and often commits crimes at midnight.
1May 22, 990, Manhattan, new york.
Bill? Gates pushed the glasses on the bridge of his nose and walked onto the podium with a smile. He wants to release the third version of Windows, Windows 3.0, here.
In the first two weeks when Windows 3.0 was introduced to the market, buyers snapped up more than100000 units, and by the end of 199 1, 4 million units had been sold. They are written in 12 and shipped to 24 countries. Windows is characterized by "ready to use", so more and more computer manufacturers install Windows as standard software on their computer products. Even Microsoft's mouse has reached the peak of sales, biting more than six million buyers.
Bill's software eventually became the best-selling software.
In 1986, when Microsoft went public, Bill entered the list of billionaires in Fortune magazine, worth about $3150,000. With the rapid growth of Microsoft, he also kept sprinting on this rich list, surpassing one rich man after another. 199 1, to Warren? Ranked in the silver medal position after Warren Buffett, he became the youngest second richest man in the United States-36 years old.
1991July, Mary called her son and said that she hoped Bill could talk to Warren? Meet Buffett. Bill has long heard the name of the Wall Street tycoon and the most successful investor. Although Bill said he was busy, he still talked to Melinda (Melinda, Bill? They went to their "Cheerio" villa by helicopter. Bill and Buffett hit it off and appreciated each other. This is the beginning of the friendship between the world's richest man and the second richest man.
1995, Bill finally ascended the throne of the richest man in the world. His value this year is about 129 billion US dollars. Three years later, 1998, the astronomical figure was as high as $59 billion, and all the rich people were left behind.
1995165438+10 In October, Bill published The Way Forward, telling the history of computers and predicting the future trend. A year later, the revised edition of this book was published, which discussed the Internet in greater depth. The Road to the Future has been published in more than 20 countries and sold more than 400,000 copies in China alone. Bill donated all the copyright income of 3 million yuan to the National Foundation for Improved Education, a non-profit organization that helps teachers learn and master computer technology and apply it to teaching practice.
Bill began to invest in biotechnology in the early 1990s. Now he is one of the largest individual investors in this field and has won the respect of many famous scholars, experts and corporate executives in this field. Because of his "head sheep effect", many other investors also pay close attention to it, and even follow and imitate his every move.
1994, Bill and Craig, pioneers in the field of mobile phones in the world? Craig mycroft cooperated and made an ambitious venture capital. They founded Teledesic, whose goal is to launch 288 earth communication satellites in low orbit and provide two-way communication to the whole world. Bill admits that if the new satellite network is successful, information can be sent from the ground to the satellite and back again, just as fast as through optical fiber communication cable. This network can be used to provide a new means of communication through mobile phones for areas without telephone service facilities.
The Internet was born in the late 1960s, and it was the product of the Cold War. At first, four computers of UCLA, Santa Barbara, University of Utah and Stanford Research Institute were connected into a network under the principle of packet switching, which was only used by scientists and military leaders. Slowly, more and more people have developed various functions of this system, from enterprises using it to promote products and provide services to schools and libraries using it to spread information. More and more organizations and individuals put information on the Internet, and the World Wide Web was born.
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Internet developed rapidly and quietly. In April of 197 1, there were only 23 hosts accessing the Internet, and the number of networks and domain names was zero. Ten years later, in August of 198 1, the number of hosts was 2 13, and the number of networks and domain names was still zero. But in the future, it is dazzling:
1July 1989, there were130,000 hosts, 650 networks and 3,900 domain names.
199 1 July, there were 535,000 hosts and 3,086 networks, and the domain name10.6 million;
1April 1992, with 890,000 hosts, 529 1 network and 20,000 domain names.
1993 has 2.056 million hosts this month,16,533 networks and 28,000 domain names.
By June 1994, there were 3.864 million hosts, 37,022 networks and 56,000 domain names.
At the beginning of 1994, Microsoft added Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) to its text editing software, but creating Internet application tools was not Bill's first choice. Bill remembers very clearly that it was "the most important thing to do Windows 95 well, and it was also the most important thing to bring Windows NT to the market for the discerning public".
In fact, his subordinates have long made him notice that the Internet will be the main tool for future communication. But it wasn't until the late period of 1994 that Bill realized that the Internet really had unlimited prospects, and Microsoft was facing the great challenge of life and death.
1On May 26th, 995, Bill wrote a long e-mail memo to Microsoft employees, in which he said, "In the upsurge of the Internet, now I solemnly declare that the Internet is extremely important to us, which is a matter of life and death. Here, I clearly pointed out that the top priority for every business department is to pay attention to the Internet. " He asked the director of each project team in Microsoft to add the functions of network communication and information retrieval to the program, and to add a web browser named "Internet Explorer" (IE for short) to the latest Windows operating system. Web browser is a tool for personal computer users to access the Internet and browse websites. This move later caused an uproar and alerted the Ministry of Justice and the state of 19 to sue Microsoft.
Later, at 1995, Bill announced his plan: to provide software to computer network customers, so that they can use and develop the Internet more conveniently. At the same time, Microsoft is also developing web page making software, which enables web pages to use images, animations, videos and sounds, and enables many companies to put their own web pages on the Internet.
1In the summer of 995, Microsoft introduced Windows 95. The upgraded Windows is a brand-new computer operating system, which can operate and manage CDs, faxes and modems. More importantly, its design is simple and clear, and it can easily carry out complex operations.
On August 24th, 15 large white tents were set up on the lawn outside Microsoft headquarters. Bill is sitting in the first tent. Gates and special guest Jay? Jay Reynolds, the host of the TV show "The Tonight Show", was invited by Bill to be the host of the display window 95. In addition, 14 tent received representatives from various software companies to show the design and operation of Windows 95.
With the launch of Windows 95, Bill also launched his own online service project-Microsoft Network (MSN). Like other Internet service companies, users pay a monthly fee, and then they can use some functions of the Internet, such as email, news, banking services and online chat rooms. Bill racked his brains to name his online service, specially hired a "naming consultant", and finally decided to name it MSN-reminiscent of a broadcasting network like NBC.
1998 at the end of June, Microsoft headquarters began to release another new version of the operating system-Windows 98. Prior to this, Microsoft programs were specially designed for commercial PC users, and Windows 98 was the first operating system designed for home PC users. Bill predicts that by 200 1, 60% of American families will have personal computers, and 50% of home computers will be connected to the Internet. "Personal computers and the Internet will soon become necessary facilities for life, just like cars today." Microsoft expects this new product to earn $3.3 billion-the previous generation of Windows 95 earned Microsoft at least $4 billion.
1999 In March, Microsoft released IE5.0, which is an improved version of web browsing software. Within a week, users downloaded 1 10,000 copies of this software from the Internet!
Just as Gates' wealth doubled and the information giants "swept away thousands of troops" in the market, criticisms and accusations from all sides became more and more fierce, and the huge shadow became thicker and thicker. Microsoft in its heyday finally offended the public.
Gates did not expect that he would become the defendant of the US government.
Microsoft has been a frequent visitor to the court since its appearance, but what makes Gates most tired is undoubtedly the big lawsuit in the last three years: the defendant is Microsoft, the leader of the it industry in the United States and even the world, and the plaintiff is the huge lineup of the US Federal Department of Justice and 19 state governments.
1998, 1999, 2000, for three consecutive years, in the "Top Ten News of Global Information Industry" selected by the world media at the end of the year, the US Department of Justice and "Anti-monopoly Century Lawsuit" Microsoft both topped the list. 200 1, the endless ending of this lawsuit once again topped the news charts.
But in any case, Gates and his Microsoft finally saved the day and survived the biggest difficulty.
China's Globe magazine ranked Bill? Gates is also among the 10 people. Everyone has a word "the most": Haier Zhang Ruimin-"the coolest entrepreneur", Lenovo invested in Liu Chuanzhi-"the most enlightened boss", and HP CEO Carly? Fiorina, the "most attractive CEO", is the chairman of the board of directors of AOL-time warner Inc. ... Keith-"the media tycoon who is best at seizing opportunities" ...
Bill? Gates' laurel is "the most influential IT hero".
1993, which one is Bill? Gates is engaged.
1994 in the bill? Gates' life is a year of mixed sorrow and joy.
On New Year's Day this year, at the wedding in Hawaii, Bill? Gates and Melinda finally got married. On the wedding day, there were six billionaires among the guests. The groom has booked all the cars, helicopters and 250 hotel rooms in Lanai Island. Gates invited Melinda's favorite singer Willie? Nelson sang the song "Honey, if you win time, then I win money", and the atmosphere was cheerful and warm.
But what about Bill? In the same year, Gates' mother died of cancer.
Great changes in personal life have made Bill? Gates' spirit and feelings were greatly impacted, and he began to rethink his life and the world around him. Many things he buried under the mountain of business came into view, and many things that seemed insignificant and could only be ranked at the end of the agenda rose to the front-including charity.
Old Gates persuaded Bill and Melinda to set up a foundation to carry out charity work in an organized, planned and orderly manner. Melinda strongly supports it. This time, Bill? Gates readily promised. So a foundation with a total capital of $94 million was established, with Bill as the CEO, Melinda as the president, Gates Sr. and Patty? Si Tong Si Tong Seaver is the co-chairman of * * *.
The initial focus of the foundation is to provide computers for schools and libraries-Bill? Gates really means what he says! But this kind of move is inevitable, Li. Sure enough, some people ridiculed them for killing two birds with one stone, seeking fame and seeking truth from facts, with the focus on occupying the computer software market.
Newly married Bill? Gates and Melinda, in the name of Gates' mother Mary, made special contributions. 1995, to commemorate the first anniversary of her death, they donated100000 dollars to the University of Washington to establish Mary? Gates Scholarship. Mary has always attached great importance to education, and this scholarship has benefited many undergraduates. Bill and Melinda also donated $654.38 million to Fred in Seattle? Haakinson Cancer Research Center.
1998, in Bill? When Gates was facing a lawsuit and his soul suffered, an article in The New York Times's Sunday edition deeply touched the couple.
This article outlines the huge differences in income, medical care and average life expectancy in different countries in the world with figures and charts. This kind of article has been published many times before, but this time, for both of them-first for Melinda, then for Bill? Gates-But it has had a wonderful effect, which may have aroused their personal experience during their trip to Africa.
From then on, Bill? The focus of the Gates and Melinda Gates Foundation began to shift to the field of health care. Once a penniless "miser", uncharacteristically, began to donate a lot, which can be described as "spending money like water"!
1In August, 999, the British Sunday Times published an article, revealing that the old Gates announced in an interview that Bill? Gates planned to donate more than $654.38+00 billion in property according to the calculation at that time, leaving only $654.38+00 million for each child. This donation is mainly used to help AIDS and malaria patients. The Sunday Times quoted Gates Sr as saying, "My son has been unfairly prejudiced and criticized for his wealth, but I am optimistic. A large donation attests to our generosity. We don't care about these allegations. "
Leave 10 billion for every child and10 billion for poor patients! ? Although the amount of money left for each child is amazing, it is only110000 of all his property, and 9999/ 10000 is still to be given away! Is the richest man in the world running out of money? This report caused a sensation all over the world and caused a lot of discussion. Not long after, Microsoft spokesman Nelson issued a statement saying that "the Gates will donate all their wealth" did not come from the mouth of the old Gates. "Mr. and Mrs. Gates once expressed their hope to give back most of their wealth to the society, but it was not as reported in The Sunday Times."
The statement pointed out: "The Gates plan to donate most of their wealth, but this is a lifelong effort and will not happen immediately. They have made many significant contributions to global health care and learning, and will continue to do so. "
It is difficult for us to know the background of this article published in the Sunday Times. However, what we have seen in recent years is that although the statement that the Gates are donating all their wealth "now" is not true, they are indeed donating a lot of wealth "gradually".
1999, he donated $5 billion-that year, his total wealth was $85 billion, and he donated117; In 2000, 2 billion dollars were donated; By the beginning of 2002, the total value of the Gates Foundation had reached $24.2 billion-the Gates became the most generous donors in the world.
According to the report of the Gates Foundation in fiscal year 2000, the donation paid in that year was $265,438+0.139 million, and the approved donation was $65,438+43.5 million, of which global health care projects accounted for 48%, accounting for $685.5 million. Education projects, accounting for 28%, 398.5 million US dollars; Library and public information projects, accounting for 5%, 69.8 million US dollars; Northwest Pacific coastal development projects, accounting for 2%, 29.8 million US dollars; In addition, there are special projects, accounting for 17% and 25140,000 USD.
"Global health care" is the project that the Gates Foundation has invested the most money and manpower, which can best reflect their original intention of establishing such a foundation. Mr. and Mrs. Gates pointed out: "The main goal of our global health care project is to reduce the' excessive inequality' between our lifestyle and that of developing countries." It is based on the belief that the death of African children is no less than that of American children, and people living in rich countries have the responsibility to help people in poor countries.
So far, the main achievements of the Gates Foundation in the global health care field are:
Try to reduce the mortality rate of mothers in poor countries-you know, in poor countries, the mortality rate of mothers during pregnancy and childbirth is 200 times that of the United States!
Promote the use of traditional childhood vaccines in 74 countries;
Introduce and promote the use of new vaccines to developing countries-before the patent expires, high drug prices often discourage them;
Fund the development of effective vaccines against AIDS and malaria, two terrible diseases that kill 4 million people every year.
Bill? Gates called himself "the steward of social resources". In 1994, he announced several ideas of giving back to society. "At first, spending money effectively was almost as difficult as making money." Bill? Gates once said with emotion.
Hoo ~ that's all we have here. I picked it up from the original text, I hope it will be useful to you.