1. Founder of Microsoft

2. Born October 28, 1955 to William H. Gates II & Mary Gates Grew up in Seattle, WA. 2 sisters- Kristi (older) and Libby (younger). Father was a Seattle attorney Mother was a schoolteacher, University of Washington regent, & chairman of United Way International.

3. Enrolled into Lakeside Prep at age 13. Wrote his first computer program in 8th grade. Graduated from Lakeside and registered at Harvard College in the fall of 1973. SAT score: 1590 out of 1600.

4. Lived down the hall from Steve Ballmer his freshman year at Harvard. Steve is now Microsofts chief executive officer. His sophomore year, he developed a solution to one of a series of unsolved problems that was later published in a paper with Harvard scientists. Solution held record as the fastest

5. Gates, and long-time friend Paul Allen, began Microsoft in 1975. Left Harvard his junior year to devote his life to Microsoft. Had a passion for computers and creating software. Believed that the computer would soon be a valuable tool in every home Created software for personal computers.

6. Chairman of Microsoft Corp. Has brought the company to continually advance and improve software technology. He has made it easier, more cost-effective and more enjoyable to use computers. Microsoft is now the worldwide leader in software, services, and solutions that help people and businesses reach full potential.

7. * Currently employs over 78,000 people in 105 countries and regions. * Had revenues of $52.12 billion for the year ending in June 2007. * Gates has been responsible for the companys strategies until 2006. * He has vigorously broadened the companys range of products.

8. Gates and his wife, Melinda, created a foundation called the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation It has over $28.8 billion to support charitable initiatives in the areas of global health and education. He has written two books, The Road Ahead (1995) and Business @ the Speed of Thought (1999).