# Bill Gates
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| (BILL GATES) |
**Full Name:** William Henry Gates III
**Date of Birth:** October 28, 1955
**Birthplace:** Seattle, Washington, USA
**Occupation:** Business Magnate, Software Developer, Philanthropist
## Early Life and Education
Bill Gates was born into a family with a rich history in business, politics, and community service. His father, William H. Gates Sr., was a successful attorney, and his mother, Mary Maxwell Gates, was a prominent businesswoman. From a young age, Gates showed an aptitude for mathematics and a fascination with computers.
At the Lakeside School in Seattle, Gates was exposed to computers for the first time. He and his friend, Paul Allen, took advantage of the school's teletype machine to gain programming experience. The duo soon found themselves banned from computer use after exploiting software loopholes.
## Entrepreneurial Beginnings
In 1973, Gates enrolled at Harvard University, where he pursued a pre-law major. However, his passion for computing led him to spend more time in the computer lab than in classes. Together with Allen, Gates developed a version of the programming language BASIC for the Altair 8800 microcomputer, marking the birth of Microsoft.
## Founding Microsoft
In 1975, Gates and Allen founded Microsoft in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Their initial focus was on creating a BASIC interpreter for the Altair 8800. As the personal computer industry took off, Microsoft shifted its strategy to software development, creating the MS-DOS operating system for IBM's first personal computer.
## Windows and Global Dominance
The introduction of Windows in 1985 marked a significant milestone for Microsoft. Windows became the standard operating system for personal computers, contributing to the company's rapid growth and establishing Gates as a tech visionary. Microsoft's dominance in the software market made Gates one of the wealthiest individuals in the world.
## Philanthropy
In 2000, Bill Gates and his then-wife, Melinda, established the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, one of the world's largest private charitable foundations. The foundation focuses on global health, education, and poverty alleviation. Gates has consistently expressed his commitment to using his wealth to address pressing global challenges.
## Transition and Post-Microsoft Ventures
In 2008, Gates stepped down from his day-to-day role at Microsoft to focus more on philanthropy. He remained involved as a board member and advisor. Gates has since dedicated his time to various ventures, including investing in clean energy technologies, promoting education reform, and addressing global health issues.
## Legacy and Impact
Bill Gates' legacy extends far beyond the technology industry. His contributions to personal computing revolutionized the way people live and work. As a philanthropist, Gates has played a pivotal role in addressing some of the world's most pressing issues. His commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and social impact continues to influence global development.
This comprehensive biography captures the multifaceted journey of Bill Gates, from a curious teenager tinkering with computers to a transformative figure shaping the course of technology and philanthropy.
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