Bill Gates co-founded Microsoft and became one of the richest people in the world. As a teenager, he took an interest in programming computers and wrote one of his first programs on a GE system in BASIC. He studied computer source code which helped him get a job writing software as a teenager. Gates graduated from Harvard but left before completing his degree to focus on Microsoft, which he co-founded with Paul Allen in 1975.

1. Inventions of Bill GatesInventions of Bill Gates
 Presentation made by:Presentation made by:
 Pupils of 11-A formPupils of 11-A form
 Vinogradov NikitaVinogradov Nikita
 Kazimirov BogdanKazimirov Bogdan
 Teacher:Teacher:
 Agarkova TatyanaAgarkova Tatyana
ViktorovnaViktorovna

2. Bill GatesBill Gates
 William Henry "Bill" Gates III (born October 28, 1955), is anWilliam Henry "Bill" Gates III (born October 28, 1955), is an
American business magnate, philanthropist, the world's third richestAmerican business magnate, philanthropist, the world's third richest
person (as of February 8, 2008), and chairman of Microsoft, theperson (as of February 8, 2008), and chairman of Microsoft, the
software company he founded with Paul Allen. Gates was thesoftware company he founded with Paul Allen. Gates was the
richest person in the world for 15 consecutive years. During hisrichest person in the world for 15 consecutive years. During his
career at Microsoft, Gates held the positions of CEO and chiefcareer at Microsoft, Gates held the positions of CEO and chief
software architect, and remains the largest individual shareholdersoftware architect, and remains the largest individual shareholder
with more than 8 percent of the common stock. He has alsowith more than 8 percent of the common stock. He has also
authored or co-authored several books.authored or co-authored several books.
 Gates is one of the best-known entrepreneurs of the personalGates is one of the best-known entrepreneurs of the personal
computer revolution. Although he is admired by many, a largecomputer revolution. Although he is admired by many, a large
number of industry insiders criticize his business tactics, which theynumber of industry insiders criticize his business tactics, which they
consider anti-competitive, an opinion which has in some cases beenconsider anti-competitive, an opinion which has in some cases been
upheld by the courtsupheld by the courts

3.  In the later stages of his career,In the later stages of his career,
Gates has pursued a number ofGates has pursued a number of
philanthropic endeavors,philanthropic endeavors,
donating large amounts ofdonating large amounts of
money to various charitablemoney to various charitable
organizations and scientificorganizations and scientific
research programs through theresearch programs through the
Bill & Melinda GatesBill & Melinda Gates
Foundation, established inFoundation, established in
2000.2000.
 Bill Gates stepped down asBill Gates stepped down as
chief executive officer ofchief executive officer of
Microsoft in January, 2000. HeMicrosoft in January, 2000. He
remained as chairman andremained as chairman and
created the position of chiefcreated the position of chief
software architect. In June,software architect. In June,
2006, Gates announced that he2006, Gates announced that he
would be transitioning from full-would be transitioning from full-
time work at Microsoft to part-time work at Microsoft to part-
time work and full-time work attime work and full-time work at
the Bill & Melinda Gatesthe Bill & Melinda Gates
Foundation. He graduallyFoundation. He gradually
transferred his duties to Raytransferred his duties to Ray
Ozzie, chief software architectOzzie, chief software architect
and Craig Mundie, chiefand Craig Mundie, chief
research and strategy officer.research and strategy officer.
Gates' last full-time day atGates' last full-time day at
Microsoft was June 27, 2008.Microsoft was June 27, 2008.
He remains at Microsoft as aHe remains at Microsoft as a
part-time, non-executivepart-time, non-executive

4. Early lifeEarly life
 Gates was born in Seattle,Gates was born in Seattle,
Washington, to William H.Washington, to William H.
Gates, Sr. and Mary MaxwellGates, Sr. and Mary Maxwell
Gates. His family was upperGates. His family was upper
middle class; his father wasmiddle class; his father was
a prominent lawyer, hisa prominent lawyer, his
mother served on the boardmother served on the board
of directors for Firstof directors for First
Interstate BancSystem andInterstate BancSystem and
the United Way, and herthe United Way, and her
father, J. W. Maxwell, was afather, J. W. Maxwell, was a
national bank president.national bank president.
Gates has one elder sister,Gates has one elder sister,
Kristi (Kristianne), and oneKristi (Kristianne), and one
younger sister, Libby. Heyounger sister, Libby. He
was the fourth of his name inwas the fourth of his name in
his family, but was known ashis family, but was known as
William Gates III or "Trey"William Gates III or "Trey"
because his father hadbecause his father had
dropped his own "III" suffix.dropped his own "III" suffix.
Early on in his life, Gates'sEarly on in his life, Gates's
parents had a law career inparents had a law career in
mind for him.mind for him.

5.  At thirteen he enrolled in the Lakeside School, an exclusiveAt thirteen he enrolled in the Lakeside School, an exclusive
preparatory school. When he was in the eighth grade, thepreparatory school. When he was in the eighth grade, the
Mothers Club at the school used proceeds from LakesideMothers Club at the school used proceeds from Lakeside
School's rummage sale to buy an ASR-33 teletype terminal andSchool's rummage sale to buy an ASR-33 teletype terminal and
a block of computer time on a General Electric (GE) computera block of computer time on a General Electric (GE) computer
for the school's students. Gates took an interest in programmingfor the school's students. Gates took an interest in programming
the GE system in BASIC and was excused from math classes tothe GE system in BASIC and was excused from math classes to
pursue his interest. He wrote his first computer program on thispursue his interest. He wrote his first computer program on this
machine: an implementation of tic-tac-toe that allowed users tomachine: an implementation of tic-tac-toe that allowed users to
play games against the computer. Gates was fascinated by theplay games against the computer. Gates was fascinated by the
machine and how it would always execute software codemachine and how it would always execute software code
perfectly. When he reflected back on that moment, heperfectly. When he reflected back on that moment, he
commented on it and said, "There was just something neatcommented on it and said, "There was just something neat
about the machine." After the Mothers Club donation wasabout the machine." After the Mothers Club donation was
exhausted, he and other students sought time on systemsexhausted, he and other students sought time on systems
including DEC PDP minicomputers. One of these systems wasincluding DEC PDP minicomputers. One of these systems was
a PDP-10 belonging to Computer Center Corporation (CCC),a PDP-10 belonging to Computer Center Corporation (CCC),
which banned four Lakeside students—Gates, Paul Allen, Ricwhich banned four Lakeside students—Gates, Paul Allen, Ric
Weiland, and Kent Evans—for the summer after it caught themWeiland, and Kent Evans—for the summer after it caught them
exploiting bugs in the operating system to obtain free computerexploiting bugs in the operating system to obtain free computer
time.time.

6.  At the end of the ban, the four students offered to find bugs inAt the end of the ban, the four students offered to find bugs in
CCC's software in exchange for computer time. Rather than useCCC's software in exchange for computer time. Rather than use
the system via teletype, Gates went to CCC's offices andthe system via teletype, Gates went to CCC's offices and
studied source code for various programs that ran on thestudied source code for various programs that ran on the
system, including programs in FORTRAN, LISP, and machinesystem, including programs in FORTRAN, LISP, and machine
language. The arrangement with CCC continued until 1970,language. The arrangement with CCC continued until 1970,
when it went out of business. The following year, Informationwhen it went out of business. The following year, Information
Sciences Inc. hired the four Lakeside students to write a payrollSciences Inc. hired the four Lakeside students to write a payroll
program in COBOL, providing them computer time andprogram in COBOL, providing them computer time and
royalties. After his administrators became aware of hisroyalties. After his administrators became aware of his
programming abilities, Gates wrote the school's computerprogramming abilities, Gates wrote the school's computer
program to schedule students in classes. He modified the codeprogram to schedule students in classes. He modified the code
so that he was placed in classes with mostly female students.so that he was placed in classes with mostly female students.
He later stated that "it was hard to tear myself away from aHe later stated that "it was hard to tear myself away from a
machine at which I could so unambiguously demonstratemachine at which I could so unambiguously demonstrate
success." At age 17, Gates formed a venture with Allen, calledsuccess." At age 17, Gates formed a venture with Allen, called
Traf-O-Data, to make traffic counters based on the Intel 8008Traf-O-Data, to make traffic counters based on the Intel 8008
processor.processor.

7.  Gates graduated from Lakeside School in 1973. He scoredGates graduated from Lakeside School in 1973. He scored
1590 out of 1600 on the Scholastic Aptitude Test and1590 out of 1600 on the Scholastic Aptitude Test and
subsequently enrolled at Harvard College in the fall of 1973.subsequently enrolled at Harvard College in the fall of 1973.
Prior to the mid 1990s, an SAT score of 1590 was equivalent toPrior to the mid 1990s, an SAT score of 1590 was equivalent to
an IQ of about 170 (roughly the one in a million level), a figurean IQ of about 170 (roughly the one in a million level), a figure
that would frequently be cited by the press. While at Harvard, hethat would frequently be cited by the press. While at Harvard, he
met his future business partner, Steve Ballmer, whom he latermet his future business partner, Steve Ballmer, whom he later
appointed as CEO of Microsoft. He also met computer scientistappointed as CEO of Microsoft. He also met computer scientist
Christos Papadimitriou at Harvard, with whom he collaboratedChristos Papadimitriou at Harvard, with whom he collaborated
on a paper about algorithms. He did not have a definite studyon a paper about algorithms. He did not have a definite study
plan while a student at Harvard and spent a lot of time using theplan while a student at Harvard and spent a lot of time using the
school's computers. He remained in contact with Paul Allen,school's computers. He remained in contact with Paul Allen,
joining him at Honeywell during the summer of 1974. Thejoining him at Honeywell during the summer of 1974. The
following year saw the release of the MITS Altair 8800 based onfollowing year saw the release of the MITS Altair 8800 based on
the Intel 8080 CPU, and Gates and Allen saw this as thethe Intel 8080 CPU, and Gates and Allen saw this as the
opportunity to start their own computer software company. Heopportunity to start their own computer software company. He
had talked this decision over with his parents, who werehad talked this decision over with his parents, who were
supportive of him after seeing how much Gates wanted to startsupportive of him after seeing how much Gates wanted to start
a company.a company.

8. MicrosoftMicrosoft
BASICBASIC
 MITS Altair 8800 Computer with 8 inch floppy diskMITS Altair 8800 Computer with 8 inch floppy disk
systemsystem
 After reading the January 1975 issue of PopularAfter reading the January 1975 issue of Popular
Electronics that demonstrated the Altair 8800, GatesElectronics that demonstrated the Altair 8800, Gates
contacted Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systemscontacted Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems
(MITS), the creators of the new microcomputer, to inform(MITS), the creators of the new microcomputer, to inform
them that he and others were working on a BASICthem that he and others were working on a BASIC
interpreter for the platform. In reality, Gates and Allen didinterpreter for the platform. In reality, Gates and Allen did
not have an Altair and had not written code for it; theynot have an Altair and had not written code for it; they
merely wanted to gauge MITS's interest. MITS presidentmerely wanted to gauge MITS's interest. MITS president
Ed Roberts agreed to meet them for a demo, and overEd Roberts agreed to meet them for a demo, and over
the course of a few weeks they developed an Altairthe course of a few weeks they developed an Altair
emulator that ran on a minicomputer, and then theemulator that ran on a minicomputer, and then the
BASIC interpreter.BASIC interpreter.

9.  The demonstration, held at MITS's offices inThe demonstration, held at MITS's offices in
Albuquerque, was a success and resulted in a dealAlbuquerque, was a success and resulted in a deal
with MITS to distribute the interpreter as Altairwith MITS to distribute the interpreter as Altair
BASIC. Paul Allen was hired into MITS, and GatesBASIC. Paul Allen was hired into MITS, and Gates
took a leave of absence from Harvard to work withtook a leave of absence from Harvard to work with
Allen at MITS in Albuquerque in November 1975.Allen at MITS in Albuquerque in November 1975.
They named their partnership "Micro-Soft" and hadThey named their partnership "Micro-Soft" and had
their first office located in Albuquerque. Within a year,their first office located in Albuquerque. Within a year,
the hyphen was dropped, and on November 26,the hyphen was dropped, and on November 26,
1976, the trade name "Microsoft" was registered with1976, the trade name "Microsoft" was registered with
the Office of the Secretary of the State of Newthe Office of the Secretary of the State of New
Mexico.Mexico.
 Microsoft's BASIC was popular with computerMicrosoft's BASIC was popular with computer
hobbyists, but Gates discovered that a pre-markethobbyists, but Gates discovered that a pre-market
copy had leaked into the community and was beingcopy had leaked into the community and was being
widely copied and distributed. In February 1976,widely copied and distributed. In February 1976,
Gates wrote an Open Letter to Hobbyists in the MITSGates wrote an Open Letter to Hobbyists in the MITS
newsletter saying that MITS could not continue tonewsletter saying that MITS could not continue to
produce, distribute, and maintain high-qualityproduce, distribute, and maintain high-quality
software without payment.software without payment.

10.  This letter was unpopular with many computer hobbyists, butThis letter was unpopular with many computer hobbyists, but
Gates persisted in his belief that software developers should beGates persisted in his belief that software developers should be
able to demand payment. Microsoft became independent ofable to demand payment. Microsoft became independent of
MITS in late 1976, and it continued to develop programmingMITS in late 1976, and it continued to develop programming
language software for various systems. The company movedlanguage software for various systems. The company moved
from Albuquerque to its new home in Bellevue, Washington onfrom Albuquerque to its new home in Bellevue, Washington on
January 1, 1979.January 1, 1979.
 During Microsoft's early years, all employees had broadDuring Microsoft's early years, all employees had broad
responsibility for the company's business. Gates oversaw theresponsibility for the company's business. Gates oversaw the
business details, but continued to write code as well. In the firstbusiness details, but continued to write code as well. In the first
five years, he personally reviewed every line of code thefive years, he personally reviewed every line of code the
company shipped, and often rewrote parts of it as he saw fit.company shipped, and often rewrote parts of it as he saw fit.

11. IBM partnershipIBM partnership
 In 1980, IBM approached Microsoft to write the BASICIn 1980, IBM approached Microsoft to write the BASIC
interpreter for its upcoming personal computer, the IBMinterpreter for its upcoming personal computer, the IBM
PC. When IBM's representatives mentioned that theyPC. When IBM's representatives mentioned that they
needed an operating system, Gates referred them toneeded an operating system, Gates referred them to
Digital Research (DRI), makers of the widely used CP/MDigital Research (DRI), makers of the widely used CP/M
operating system. IBM's discussions with Digitaloperating system. IBM's discussions with Digital
Research went poorly, and they did not reach a licensingResearch went poorly, and they did not reach a licensing
agreement. IBM representative Jack Sams mentionedagreement. IBM representative Jack Sams mentioned
the licensing difficulties during a subsequent meetingthe licensing difficulties during a subsequent meeting
with Gates and told him to get an acceptable operatingwith Gates and told him to get an acceptable operating
system. A few weeks later Gates proposed using 86-system. A few weeks later Gates proposed using 86-
DOS (QDOS), an operating system similar to CP/M thatDOS (QDOS), an operating system similar to CP/M that
Tim Paterson of Seattle Computer Products (SCP) hadTim Paterson of Seattle Computer Products (SCP) had
made for hardware similar to the PC.made for hardware similar to the PC.

12.  Microsoft made a dealMicrosoft made a deal
with SCP to become thewith SCP to become the
exclusive licensing agent,exclusive licensing agent,
and later the full owner, ofand later the full owner, of
86-DOS. After adapting86-DOS. After adapting
the operating system forthe operating system for
the PC, Microsoftthe PC, Microsoft
delivered it to IBM as PC-delivered it to IBM as PC-
DOS in exchange for aDOS in exchange for a
one-time fee of $50,000.one-time fee of $50,000.
Gates insisted that IBM letGates insisted that IBM let
Microsoft keep theMicrosoft keep the
copyright on the operatingcopyright on the operating
system, because hesystem, because he
believed that otherbelieved that other
hardware vendors wouldhardware vendors would
clone IBM's system. Theyclone IBM's system. They
did, and the sales of MS-did, and the sales of MS-
DOS made Microsoft aDOS made Microsoft a
major player in themajor player in the
industry.industry.

13. WiWindndowowss
 Gates oversaw Microsoft's companyGates oversaw Microsoft's company
restructuring on June 25, 1981, whichrestructuring on June 25, 1981, which
re-incorporated the company inre-incorporated the company in
Washington and made GatesWashington and made Gates
President of Microsoft and thePresident of Microsoft and the
Chairman of the Board. MicrosoftChairman of the Board. Microsoft
launched its first retail version oflaunched its first retail version of
Microsoft Windows on November 20,Microsoft Windows on November 20,
1985, and in August, the company1985, and in August, the company
struck a deal with IBM to develop astruck a deal with IBM to develop a
separate operating system calledseparate operating system called
OS/2. Although the two companiesOS/2. Although the two companies
successfully developed the firstsuccessfully developed the first
version of the new system, mountingversion of the new system, mounting
creative differences undermined thecreative differences undermined the
partnership. Gates distributed anpartnership. Gates distributed an
internal memo on May 16, 1991internal memo on May 16, 1991
announcing that the OS/2 partnershipannouncing that the OS/2 partnership
was over and Microsoft would shift itswas over and Microsoft would shift its
efforts to the Windows NT kernelefforts to the Windows NT kernel
development.development.

14. Management styleManagement style
 Bill Gates giving his deposition atBill Gates giving his deposition at
Microsoft on August 27, 1998Microsoft on August 27, 1998
 From Microsoft's founding in 1975From Microsoft's founding in 1975
until 2006, Gates had primaryuntil 2006, Gates had primary
responsibility for the company'sresponsibility for the company's
product strategy. He aggressivelyproduct strategy. He aggressively
broadened the company's range ofbroadened the company's range of
products, and wherever Microsoftproducts, and wherever Microsoft
achieved a dominant position heachieved a dominant position he
vigorously defended it.vigorously defended it.
 As an executive, Gates metAs an executive, Gates met
regularly with Microsoft's seniorregularly with Microsoft's senior
managers and program managers.managers and program managers.
Firsthand accounts of theseFirsthand accounts of these
meetings describe him as verballymeetings describe him as verbally
combative, berating managers forcombative, berating managers for
perceived holes in their businessperceived holes in their business
strategies or proposals that placedstrategies or proposals that placed
the company's long-term intereststhe company's long-term interests
at risk.at risk.

15.  He often interrupted presentations with such comments as,He often interrupted presentations with such comments as,
"That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard!" and, "Why don't you"That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard!" and, "Why don't you
just give up your options and join the Peace Corps?" The targetjust give up your options and join the Peace Corps?" The target
of his outburst then had to defend the proposal in detail until,of his outburst then had to defend the proposal in detail until,
hopefully, Gates was fully convinced.When subordinateshopefully, Gates was fully convinced.When subordinates
appeared to be procrastinating, he was known to remarkappeared to be procrastinating, he was known to remark
sarcastically, "I'll do it over the weekend."sarcastically, "I'll do it over the weekend."
 Gates's role at Microsoft for most of its history was primarily aGates's role at Microsoft for most of its history was primarily a
management and executive role. However, he was an activemanagement and executive role. However, he was an active
software developer in the early years, particularly on thesoftware developer in the early years, particularly on the
company's programming language products. He has notcompany's programming language products. He has not
officially been on a development team since working on theofficially been on a development team since working on the
TRS-80 Model 100 line, but wrote code as late as 1989 thatTRS-80 Model 100 line, but wrote code as late as 1989 that
shipped in the company's products. On June 15, 2006, Gatesshipped in the company's products. On June 15, 2006, Gates
announced that he would transition out of his day-to-day roleannounced that he would transition out of his day-to-day role
over the next two years to dedicate more time to philanthropy.over the next two years to dedicate more time to philanthropy.
He divided his responsibilities between two successors, placingHe divided his responsibilities between two successors, placing
Ray Ozzie in charge of day-to-day management and CraigRay Ozzie in charge of day-to-day management and Craig
Mundie in charge of long-term product strategy.Mundie in charge of long-term product strategy.

16. Appearance in adsAppearance in ads
 Bill Gates decided in 2008 to appear in at least 1 commercial in aBill Gates decided in 2008 to appear in at least 1 commercial in a
series of ads to promote Microsoft. This commercial, co-starringseries of ads to promote Microsoft. This commercial, co-starring
Jerry Seinfeld, is a 1 and a half minute talk between strangers asJerry Seinfeld, is a 1 and a half minute talk between strangers as
Seinfeld walks up on a discount shoe store (Shoe Circus) in a mallSeinfeld walks up on a discount shoe store (Shoe Circus) in a mall
and notices Bill Gates buying shoes inside. The salesman is tryingand notices Bill Gates buying shoes inside. The salesman is trying
to sell Mr. Gates shoes that are a size too big. Mr. Seinfeld begins toto sell Mr. Gates shoes that are a size too big. Mr. Seinfeld begins to
inform him about a pair of shoes called Conquistadors that run "ainform him about a pair of shoes called Conquistadors that run "a
little tight" and sells him on them in a size 10 (whereas the storelittle tight" and sells him on them in a size 10 (whereas the store
clerk was attempting an 11). As Mr. Gates is buying the shoes heclerk was attempting an 11). As Mr. Gates is buying the shoes he
holds up his discount card, this card uses a slightly altered versionholds up his discount card, this card uses a slightly altered version
of his own mugshot of his arrest in New Mexico in 1977 for a trafficof his own mugshot of his arrest in New Mexico in 1977 for a traffic
violation .violation .

17.  As they are walking out of the mall, Jerry SeinfeldAs they are walking out of the mall, Jerry Seinfeld
asks Bill Gates if he has melded his mind to otherasks Bill Gates if he has melded his mind to other
developers, after getting a yes, he then asks if theydevelopers, after getting a yes, he then asks if they
are working on a way to make computers edible,are working on a way to make computers edible,
again getting a yes. Most critics are still in debateagain getting a yes. Most critics are still in debate
over the exact meaning of this commercial sayingover the exact meaning of this commercial saying
that it is too vague to make sense to them, but that itthat it is too vague to make sense to them, but that it
is unlikely that Microsoft is attempting to make edibleis unlikely that Microsoft is attempting to make edible
computers. Some say that it is an homage to Mr.computers. Some say that it is an homage to Mr.
Seinfeld's own show about "nothing"(Seinfeld).Seinfeld's own show about "nothing"(Seinfeld).
 Bill Gates has also appeared in commercials in 2008,Bill Gates has also appeared in commercials in 2008,
aimed at countering the popular Apple Mac "I'm aaimed at countering the popular Apple Mac "I'm a
Mac" commercials. The "I'm a PC" commercialsMac" commercials. The "I'm a PC" commercials
feature short back-to-back clips of various peoplefeature short back-to-back clips of various people
explaining that they are a PC and one other trivialexplaining that they are a PC and one other trivial
fact about themselves. Bill appears once in a run offact about themselves. Bill appears once in a run of
the commercial which does not feature the trivialthe commercial which does not feature the trivial
facts, and as such there is no trivial fact to associatefacts, and as such there is no trivial fact to associate
with him on this page.with him on this page.

18.  The email addresses of several of theThe email addresses of several of the
characters or actors in the commercials (it ischaracters or actors in the commercials (it is
unclear which, as it is also unclear whether allunclear which, as it is also unclear whether all
the actors play themselves) appear in thethe actors play themselves) appear in the
bottom right corner of the screen. Bill's isbottom right corner of the screen. Bill's is
cited as "bill@windows.com". The actor whocited as "bill@windows.com". The actor who
appears to resemble John Hodgman (fromappears to resemble John Hodgman (from
the "I'm a Mac" adverts) in the PC commercialthe "I'm a Mac" adverts) in the PC commercial
is cited as "sean@windows.com" and hisis cited as "sean@windows.com" and his
trivial fact is that he has become a stereotype.trivial fact is that he has become a stereotype.

19. Personal lifePersonal life
 Gates married Melinda Gates (née French) fromGates married Melinda Gates (née French) from
Dallas, Texas on January 1, 1994. They haveDallas, Texas on January 1, 1994. They have
three children: Jennifer Katharine(1996), Rorythree children: Jennifer Katharine(1996), Rory
John(1999) and Phoebe Adele(2002). Bill Gates'John(1999) and Phoebe Adele(2002). Bill Gates'
house is a earth-sheltered home in the side of ahouse is a earth-sheltered home in the side of a
hill overlooking Lake Washington in Medina,hill overlooking Lake Washington in Medina,
Washington. According to King County publicWashington. According to King County public
records, as of 2006, the total assessed value ofrecords, as of 2006, the total assessed value of
the property (land and house) is $125 million, andthe property (land and house) is $125 million, and
the annual property tax is $991,000. Also amongthe annual property tax is $991,000. Also among
Gates's private acquisitions is the CodexGates's private acquisitions is the Codex
Leicester, a collection of writings by Leonardo daLeicester, a collection of writings by Leonardo da
Vinci, which Gates bought for $30.8 million at anVinci, which Gates bought for $30.8 million at an
auction in 1994. Gates is also known as an avidauction in 1994. Gates is also known as an avid
reader, and the ceiling of his large home library isreader, and the ceiling of his large home library is
engraved with a quotation from The Greatengraved with a quotation from The Great
Gatsby.He also enjoys playing bridge, tennis, andGatsby.He also enjoys playing bridge, tennis, and
golf.golf.

20.  Gates was number one on the "Forbes 400" list fromGates was number one on the "Forbes 400" list from
1993 through to 2007 and number one on Forbes list1993 through to 2007 and number one on Forbes list
of "The World's Richest People" from 1995 to 2007.of "The World's Richest People" from 1995 to 2007.
In 1999, Gates's wealth briefly surpassed $101In 1999, Gates's wealth briefly surpassed $101
billion, causing the media to call him abillion, causing the media to call him a
"centibillionaire". Since 2000, the nominal value of his"centibillionaire". Since 2000, the nominal value of his
Microsoft holdings has declined due to a fall inMicrosoft holdings has declined due to a fall in
Microsoft's stock price after the dot-com bubble burstMicrosoft's stock price after the dot-com bubble burst
and the multi-billion dollar donations he has made toand the multi-billion dollar donations he has made to
his charitable foundations. In a May 2006 interview,his charitable foundations. In a May 2006 interview,
Gates commented that he wished that he were notGates commented that he wished that he were not
the richest man in the world because he disliked thethe richest man in the world because he disliked the
attention it brought. Gates has several investmentsattention it brought. Gates has several investments
outside Microsoft, which in 2006 paid him a salary ofoutside Microsoft, which in 2006 paid him a salary of
$616,667, and $350,000 bonus totalling $966,667.$616,667, and $350,000 bonus totalling $966,667.
He founded Corbis, a digital imaging company, inHe founded Corbis, a digital imaging company, in
1989. In 2004 he became a director of Berkshire1989. In 2004 he became a director of Berkshire
Hathaway, the investment company headed by long-Hathaway, the investment company headed by long-
time friend Warren Buffett.time friend Warren Buffett.