Welcome back. Microsoft has just licensed MS-DOS, but Bill Gates wanted more.
Let’s go back to life with MS-DOS. The computer screen was basically a black background with cryptic text commands. As useful as it was, it was the complete opposite of user-friendly. Bill Gates wanted something that everyone could use. A graphical interface that was a delight for the average human. It actually was supposed to have windows, icons, and menus. The basic Windows that we always rely on today is the product of aggressive timelines, constant testing, and several major rehauls over decades.
As we’ve come to know, Gates’ mind was at its peak, and its every thought turned out to be gold. He knew businesses wanted more than just an operating system—they needed tools to get stuff done. Enter Microsoft Office. By bundling Word, Excel, and PowerPoint together, Gates basically locked in customers for life. Integration was the secret sauce, and Microsoft served it up on a silver platter.
While all of this was happening with a huge team, Gates was still being Gates. He was still deeply involved in everything. He wasn’t just the big-picture guy; he reviewed code, dissected design choices, and even weighed in on marketing pitches. Imagine your boss checking your code and your PowerPoint transitions—that was Microsoft culture in the Gates era. Long hours, sky-high expectations, and one mission: dominate, not just participate.
A company can’t have such a smooth path. Hiccups occur, and big ones were yet to come.
RELATED POSTS
View all
