Even as he grows older, Microsoft founder Bill Gates still fondly remembers the catalytic computer code he wrote 50 years ago that opened up a new frontier in technology.
Although the code that Gates printed out on a teletype machine may look crude compared to what's powering today's artificial intelligence platforms, it played a critical role in creating Microsoft in April 1975 — a golden anniversary that the Redmond, Washington, company will celebrate on Friday.
Gates, 69, set the stage for that jubilee with a blog post reminiscing on how he and his old high school friend — the late Paul Allen — scrambled to create the world's first “software factory” after reading an article in the January 1975 issue of Popular Electronics magazine about the Altair 8800, a minicomputer that would be powered by a tiny chip made by the then-obscure technology company, Intel.
The article motivated Gates, who was merely a freshmen at Harvard University, along with Allen to reach out to Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems, the creator of Altair. They assured the company’s CEO, Ed Roberts, that they had created software capable of enabling users to manage the hardware. However, there was a catch: Gates and Allen didn’t actually have the code ready for Roberts yet.
Gates and Allen addressed the issue by adopting the BASIC programming language, which was created back in 1964 at Dartmouth College. However, they needed to devise a method for ensuring this tech would work seamlessly with the upcoming Altair computer, despite not having access to an actual model of the device yet.
Following two months of minimal rest spent developing the software, Gates completed the code that formed the foundation for the Altair’s initial operating system. "This piece of coding stands out as the most impressive I have ever done," he stated in his blog entry, where visitors can also choose to download the original program.
This code was instrumental in establishing a company that turned personal computers into everyday essentials within households. The firm offered an array of software including applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint along with the Windows operating system, which continues to drive most PCs currently in use.
"That marked the revolution," Gates stated regarding the code. in a video accompanying his post. “That was the thing that ushered in personal computing.”
Gates' recollection of the code is part of a nostalgic kick that he has been on this year as he prepares to turn 70 in October.
The trip down memory lane included the February launch of a memoir delving into his formative years as a frequently misinterpreted youngster who struggled to find companionship, along with celebrating the 25th anniversary of the charitable organization he established following his exit from Microsoft’s top executive role in 2000. Once faltering post-Gates’ resignation, the technological powerhouse has flourished under current CEO Satya Nadella, amassing approximately $2.8 trillion in market valuation.
In his memoir, Gates also reflected on his tempestuous relationship with fellow PC pioneer, the late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, whose company will be celebrating its golden anniversary next year.
Fifty years is quite extensive," remarked Gates, whose individual wealth is valued around $108 billion. "It’s astonishing that the vision became a reality.
Michael Liedtke, The Associated Press
