Tech Brew Ride Home (IHP) The Gary Kildall Legend Part 1
Jul 4, 2024
In this fascinating discussion, Gary Kildall, the pioneer behind the modern disk operating system and CP/M, reflects on his groundbreaking contributions to tech. He delves into the pivotal meeting with IBM that changed personal computing forever. Kildall shares the story of his missed opportunity due to a flight, leading to Bill Gates' rise with DOS. Listeners will explore the contrasting philosophies of Kildall and Gates, and ponder how history could have unfolded differently in the tech landscape.
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The Kildall vs. Gates Legend
- The popular narrative says that Bill Gates succeeded because Gary Kildall was out flying when IBM came calling.
- This story is often cited as the greatest business deal and blunder in history.
Kildall's Early Life and Programming Passion
- Gary Kildall, like Bill Gates, was a Seattle native, but older.
- He became fascinated with the then-new world of digital programming during his time at the University of Washington.
Kildall's Intel Consultancy and Noyce's Oversight
- Kildall, while teaching, consulted for Intel, where he showcased a computer game he developed.
- Intel co-founder Bob Noyce dismissed it, believing the future lay in digital watches.