[Sachiel7]

Bill Gates started programming at the age of 13...

I started programming at 8...

[hockey97]

Originally Posted by Theros

You seem kinda angry against him. Sure, it's true Microsoft isn't known as a open-source company. But that's what Linux is for...I personally use Ubuntu 7.10 and Vista (dual-boot) and I find both great. I find ubuntu better, at least potential wise, but that's not to say Vista is horrible like most people say it is. I've been using for like 6 months without a single bluescreen, and it runs quite nicely even with games like Crysis, etc (this is on my Asus G1s laptop).

Anyway, even if Bill did steal his original OS from his partners way back when. There is NO ONE that can argue his marketing genius that put Microsoft on the market. I mean, he literally brought his company from his basement to front of American business in just a few short years! There's almost no other success story as great as his in that short amount of time. And to top it off, he and his wife now have the largest charity foundation in the world and are using it's influence to help change the world into a better place.

I may sound like a Windows apologist, but I use Ubuntu daily, and even find it better than Vista/XP. BUT, I DO NOT DOUBT the genius behind Bill Gates, and find it disgusting when people flame him for doing the things he did. For the most part, he has changed the world in a good way, and will continue to.

Eric Huang

Well I don't fully agree about bill gates changing the world in a good way. It wasn't his work that made us where we are today. It was the huge teams of scientist that made the first computer or help form the computer where it is today. It was mainly a group effort. Bill gates didn't make software good until he stole and edited the first OS and then caught on the idea ect.

I don't hate him personally but I hate how people act like he was god of all computers. The computer wasn't made by bill gates and the OS idea wasn't bill gates. Bill gates was mainly a good business man he knew where the next trend was going so he fought to be the first one to provide that trend which was software. I just give him credit on being a good business man making millions by selling a OS even today I am surprised not much people switch to linux people ask me what OS I have and I tell them Linux and they ask me what the heck is Linux they always thought it was only windows and some people know about the mac but I haven't heard people around here knowing what Linux is I speak only for my area.

I am just saying alot of people give bill gates too much credit then what he deserves.

[Theros]

Originally Posted by hockey97

Well I don't fully agree about bill gates changing the world in a good way. It wasn't his work that made us where we are today. It was the huge teams of scientist that made the first computer or help form the computer where it is today. It was mainly a group effort. Bill gates didn't make software good until he stole and edited the first OS and then caught on the idea ect.

I don't hate him personally but I hate how people act like he was god of all computers. The computer wasn't made by bill gates and the OS idea wasn't bill gates. Bill gates was mainly a good business man he knew where the next trend was going so he fought to be the first one to provide that trend which was software. I just give him credit on being a good business man making millions by selling a OS even today I am surprised not much people switch to linux people ask me what OS I have and I tell them Linux and they ask me what the heck is Linux they always thought it was only windows and some people know about the mac but I haven't heard people around here knowing what Linux is I speak only for my area.

I am just saying alot of people give bill gates too much credit then what he deserves.

I find it funny that the people I talk to take the exact opposite side... Most people I know don't give him enough credit for just being a GREAT BSUSINESSMAN!. I never necessarily said that Windows was the best thing sliced bread...but your right. I mean, I use Ubuntu 7.10 for 90% of my activity on my laptop lol...So there's no argument that there's so much more potential in Linux than any other commercial OS. However, you do have to realize for the moment, Windows is still the De Facto golden standard and will continue to be for years to come...Linux is almost there, but until it can appeal to mass consumers it won't be widely adopted (Dell took the right step in that direction by selling ubuntu laptops...).

Anyway, so don't think I'm an enemy here lol... I've use all three OSes (OSX, XP/Vita, Ubuntu) and I as I said earlier Linux just is the best for people like us, the geeks out there... For the rest of everyone, there's XP/Vista, and for the richer ones OSX... :P

[shaggy]

Originally Posted by Nick R

Though he never set out to be a millionaire

If you mean by making his own millions than yes. If you mean being a millionaire, he would have already been in line to inherit this wealth from his family. By all means, Gates is badass all on his own in his own league but that doesn't change the fact that he came from a wealthy family to begin with who were already considered millionaires base on their net worth. Gates was able to attend some of the most expensive and so-called prestigious private schools growing up as a result. Needless to say, he didn't need to set out for that, it was already going to be a reality. All he did was pushed it one step further.

Originally Posted by Sachiel7

Bill Gates started programming at the age of 13...

I started programming at 8...

Shouldn't you be at least a millionaire by now then

[shoppingnow]

I really don't care for his trying to take over the world bit. Videogames, Computers, MP3 Players, and he even tried to have his software the only software installed on new computers. He was sued and dragged into court I bet a dozen times for squeezing the competition and unethical business practices. His strategies work, but he hurts the small software companies who want to bring nothing but joy to small girls and boys such as real player, quicktime, and many more.

[shoppingnow]

Personally I own a mac.

[Icelarry27]

Originally Posted by shoppingnow

Personally I own a mac.

i have windows vista right now and i can't stand it. i have definitely made up my mind that i'm buying a mac next, no questions asked. apple is taking over, i see more and more people buying macs and being 100% satisfied...on the other hand, people with vista...ehh...not so much haha

[shaggy]

Originally Posted by Icelarry27

i have windows vista right now and i can't stand it. i have definitely made up my mind that i'm buying a mac next, no questions asked. apple is taking over, i see more and more people buying macs and being 100% satisfied...on the other hand, people with vista...ehh...not so much haha

I have been running Vista for over a year now and I don't know why everyone is hating on it. If you have a strong enough PC (which isn't really that much of a requirement in terms of making Vista run smooth) and actually "know" how to utilize the OS, everything works fine. I program, code, download, and abuse my PC to hell and have yet to run into any problems on Vista. I don't know why everyone is complaining (although I understand that the vast MAJORITY of end users are computer illiterate for the most part which highly contribute to hating change; XP had a period of hate as well and now most of the world loves it).

[RLorenzen]

I was suprised to see he is no longer the richest man. He is now the third richest, giving his title to Warren Buffet.

Even though his wealth continues to grow he is giving more and more to charity every year. Which I think is great.

[Terra Andersen]

I love Bill Gates, and I especially love how humble he always comes off.

[consoleupdates]

Good guy. met him couple times

[allysa]

I've watched the movie Pirates of Silicon Valley and it was really good. Bill Gates is really good in marketing strategies, truly an entrepreneur.

[FormPay]

Originally Posted by gregdavidson

I think Apple is eventually going to crush Microsoft.

Sorry you misspelled a few words

[Jay Brass]

Warren Buffet owns Bill! I'm sorry, I had to say it. One of these days, I'll become richer than the top three richest men alive. No lie.

[SerialEntrepreneurs.]

Bill is an extraordinary man to say the least....and Yes Pirates of Silicon Alley is an excellent movie!!

I wonder if Mr Gates would like to get involved in two projects I am working on - BreakingNews.com (the name says it all!) and a hunger relief organization I sit on the board for - rock CAN roll