Microsoft founder Bill Gates recently reminisced about a pivotal moment in computer technology history – the creation of a 50-year-old computer code that revolutionized the industry. This code, developed by Gates and his late high school friend Paul Allen, marked the inception of Microsoft in April 1975. Although the code may seem primitive compared to modern AI technologies, it laid the groundwork for Microsoft’s success.
The journey began when Gates, then a Harvard freshman, and Allen read about the Altair 8800 minicomputer in Popular Electronics magazine. Inspired by the article, they contacted the manufacturer, Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems, offering software to operate the hardware. However, they had not yet developed the code they promised. Undeterred, Gates and Allen worked on adapting the BASIC computer language to the Altair, despite not having a prototype.
After two intense months of coding, Gates completed the program, which became the Altair’s first operating system. This breakthrough set the stage for Microsoft’s evolution into a technology powerhouse, producing iconic software like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as the ubiquitous Windows operating system.
Reflecting on this milestone, Gates described the code as the pinnacle of his programming career. He emphasized its role in democratizing personal computing, marking a significant shift in the industry. The nostalgia surrounding this event is part of Gates’ broader reflection on his life, including his philanthropic endeavors post-Microsoft.
As Gates approaches his 70th birthday, he looks back on his legacy and the impact of his contributions to the tech world. Despite the challenges and controversies he faced, Gates acknowledges the fulfillment of his vision and the enduring influence of his work. The evolution of Microsoft post-Gates, under the leadership of Satya Nadella, highlights the company’s resilience and continued innovation in the digital age.
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