> (1989) It was super weird to see that written because Microsoft wasn’t on our collective academic radar and most people didn’t know who Bill Gates was<p>In 1989 'most' people would for sure know who Bill Gates was. He made the cover of Time Magazine on April 16 1984 and most likely even earlier. Microsoft went public on March 13 1986 this article details some of that.<p><a href="https://www.zdnet.com/article/how-bill-gates-accidentally-became-the-worlds-richest-man/" rel="nofollow">https://www.zdnet.com/article/how-bill-gates-accidentally-be...</a><p><a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/investor/faq.aspx" rel="nofollow">https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/investor/faq.aspx</a><p>Steve Jobs was on Time Magazine in 1982 (cover that is). Impossible to believe that by 1989 Gates was not well known (I am old enough to remember him from the 80's but I wouldn't consider myself 'most' people). Generally Steve and Bill were usually mentioned in many of the same articles.
This is so well written, what a pleasure to read. For any of us around computers in those days, it is great to hear these 'inside' stories. I am hooked. The origin of email addresses. First boot problems. Networking challenges.
Onto the next chapter...
I worked with Steve Sinofsky briefly, and he was a brilliant engineer. Unfortunately had to lead some products with very stiff existing competition.<p>What I find interesting is his fascination with the periodic table. I recall Bill also being very fascinated with it, and could talk about it’s intricacies for days.<p>I’m wondering if that’s a strong predictor of technical curiosity, or mere coincidence. Or Bill just liked hiring other nerds with similar interests!