Bill Gates, born William Henry Gates III on October 28, 1955, is an American entrepreneur, software developer, and philanthropist. He is best known as the co-founder of Microsoft Corporation, one of the world's leading technology companies. Gates' visionary leadership and innovative spirit have played a pivotal role in shaping the modern computing landscape.

Gates developed an early interest in computers during his teenage years while attending Lakeside School in Seattle. It was there that he met Paul Allen, who would later become his business partner. Together, they founded Microsoft in 1975, with the mission to put a computer in every home and office. Under Gates' guidance, Microsoft introduced MS-DOS, which became the standard operating system for IBM PCs, and later Windows, which revolutionized personal computing.

Beyond his contributions to technology, Gates is renowned for his philanthropy. In 2000, he and his wife Melinda Gates established the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, one of the largest charitable organizations in the world. The foundation focuses on global health, education, and poverty alleviation initiatives. Gates has also been a vocal advocate for addressing climate change and improving access to healthcare.

Throughout his career, Gates has received numerous accolades, including being named one of the most influential people in the world by Time magazine multiple times. His work continues to inspire countless individuals around the globe to pursue innovation and make a positive impact on society.