INTERNET ENTREPRENEURS

Can you match the companies and their founders?

The Man behind Microsoft

Vocabulary: 1) business magnate - powerful or influential person, especially in business or industry 2) software - a collection of computer programs (e.g. Windows XP) 3) philanthropy - an effort to improve conditions in the word William Henry Gates III (born on October 28, 1955) is an American business magnate who co-founded the software giant Microsoft and turned it into the worlds largest software company. Gates believed there should be a computer on every office desk and in every home and developed many products that are now part of modern life. Gates was in charge at Microsoft from 1975 until 2006. He stepped down from day-to-day work as Microsoft CEO in June 2008 to concentrate his efforts on philanthropy. His philanthropic projects provide funds for global problems that are not noticed by governments and other organizations. As of 2007, Bill and Melinda Gates were the second-most generous philanthropists in America, having given over $28 billion to charity.

Comprehension Questions: True or False

1) Bill Gates partnered with someone to establish Microsoft. T/F 2) Bill Gates business focuses on producing physical parts of a computer. T/F 3) He retired from Microsoft to start another business. T/F

Discussion Questions:
1) What do you think made Bill Gates successful? 2) Why do some wealthy people donate a lot of money to charity? 3) In your opinion, what is the future of the software industry?