The Untold Story of Bill Gates and Steve Jobs: Their First Meeting
Bill Gates and Steve Jobs are two of the most influential figures in the history of technology. Their first meeting, which took place in 1977, marked the beginning of a complex and often competitive relationship. This article will delve into the details of their first encounter, as recounted in both movie and book sources.
Initial Meeting at a Conference
In 1977, Bill Gates was the co-founder of Microsoft, while Steve Jobs was one of the co-founders of Apple. Their initial meeting took place at a conference in Aspen, Colorado. During this conference, they discussed their respective visions for personal computing. This encounter was a pivotal moment in the development of both companies and set the stage for a long and complex relationship.
Excerpts from *Steve Jobs: A Biography* by Walter Isaacson
According to Steve Jobs: A Biography by Walter Isaacson, the initial meeting between Gates and Jobs was influenced by the popularization of personal computing. The January 1975 issue of Popular Mechanics featured the Altair, the first personal computer kit. For hobbyists and hackers, the Altair heralded the dawn of a new era in computing. Gates and Paul Allen, recognizing the potential, started working on a version of BASIC, an easy-to-use programming language for the Altair. This work caught the attention of Jobs and Wozniak, leading to their involvement in the Homebrew Computer Club.
This initial interest in each other's work likely set the stage for their future collaborations and competitions. The excerpt from the book, which can be found on page no. 59, highlights the significant impact that the Altair had on the tech industry and the early work of both Gates and Jobs.
Complicating the Story: Business Disputes
However, their initial meeting was not without tension. According to page no. 62 of Steve Jobs: A Biography, after completing their BASIC interpreter for the Altair, Bill Gates was upset that members of the Homebrew Computer Club were making copies of it without paying. Gates, driven by the desire to recognize the intellectual property, wrote a famous letter to the club. In this letter, Gates addressed the issue of software piracy, stating, "As the majority of hobbyists must be aware, most of you steal your software. Is this fair? One thing you do is prevent good software from being written. Who can afford to do professional work for nothing? I would appreciate letters from anyone who wants to pay up."
The First Audiovisual Encounter: “Pirates of Silicon Valley”
The movie Pirates of Silicon Valley offers a dramatized but compelling version of the first encounter between Gates and Jobs. In a key clip, Gates attempts to introduce Microsoft to Jobs but is interrupted, highlighting the growing star power of Jobs. The clip also includes an amusing scene where Gates asks Paul Allen, "What is Apple?" reflecting the fact that this was the first time Gates (or Paul Allen) had heard of Jobs's new company. This scene, occurring around 36:20 in the film, provides insight into the early mutual unfamiliarity between the two companies and their founders.
Apple II and the Role of Wozniak
Before the full integration of Microsoft into the Apple ecosystem, there was a transition period where Apple II needed a version of BASIC to function. According to the book, Wozniak did not create a version of BASIC for Apple II, so the responsibility fell on Microsoft. On page no. 88 of Steve Jobs: A Biography, it is mentioned that Steve Jobs had to approach Microsoft to get the necessary code for the Apple II.
Conclusion
The meeting between Bill Gates and Steve Jobs in 1977 was a significant moment in the history of personal computing. While Hollywood enhances the drama, the underlying story of their first encounter and the subsequent relationship is rich with historical and technical significance. Both founders brought unique visions and talents to the table, shaping the future of technology in ways that still resonate today.