On June 27, William H. Gates III, the icon of computing revolution, walked away from the legendary company he co-founded. What I know about Bill Gates?

A tiny ad sticker on my 10-years old PC proudly says "Designed for Microsoft Windows-98". Although I've never purchased the OS in the store (it came with my computer pre-installed), I should be thrilled to have Bill Gate's products on the board. Am I?

I live in a country where illegal copy of practically any world's software can be purchased just for several bucks. Nevertheless, I don't use MS Office. Why? It's too BIG!
That symbol of Microsoft corporation is over-featured with countless number of functions I've never used (tell me who did :). And you must be really patient waiting while the monster package loads itself every time you want to add several words to your recent document.

The only Microsoft program I use regularly is a tiny part of its Windows-98, - a good old WordPad. Yes! It's small, fast, - and SIMPLE! Just few functions. Starts in several seconds. And saves result in small text files. I'm grateful to Bill Gates for the program! Nice work!

But what about the rest of Microsoft's programs?
Vista? One must be crazy to attempt running it on my computer.
I was unable even to launch a video from Microsoft's website, which shows a farewell speech of its Chairman ...

What about the last 10 years of hard day-to-day work of the richest CEO in computer industry? For me, it has passed practically unnoticed. Sorry about that, Bill.

Don't take me wrong, I highly respect Bill Gates. In particular, for the famous challenging his developers with comments such as "I could write that over the weekend", - Bravo, Bill!
At the same time, I have a bitter feeling for the worldwide army of talented programmers outside the Microsoft. I don't know about you, but for me it's not a problem to develop an elegant piece of novelty. The problem is what to do with it after that.

One Year Of My Life Donated to Microsoft
Three years ago I've developed unique software EXCLUSIVELY for Microsoft's leading product, - IE browser! It aimed to overturn our notion about Internet browsing. And it [2] was the most advanced script on the market.

Unlike Mr Gates, who used to approach MITS by lying [4] he was developing software for their Altair microcomputer (in reality, he had not written code for it, he even did not have Altair), I had created the fully working program before contacting Microsoft.
Imagine my frustration, when official Microsoft's reply was they simply ... do not consider ideas originated from outside world!

So, I decided to re-apply with my ideas directly to Bill Gates. During last years, he has never responded to me ...

It's funny, I just recalled how Gates persisted in his belief that software developers should be able to demand payment. "Is this fair?", asks Bill Gates in his famous Open Letter to Hobbyists (1976). "Who can afford to do professional work for nothing?".

I had been working on the above project for almost a YEAR!!! Obviously, without any kind of insurance, - no contract, no salary, no good hardware (is a single guy from Microsoft, Inc. capable for such a life?). And didn't get for my efforts even a polite "Thank you!". Now guess, will my next software be for Microsoft?

Just one tip for future Microsoft programs:
Please, Be SIMPLE!

I believe, the Next Big Thing must be simple.
It's not a big deal in hiring 78,000 people for writing bloated software.
What about a small program of 5 lines of code?
Sounds unreal?

Five days ago Bill Gates exited the Microsoft.
Just one person.. With a 10-years old PC under outdated Windows-98..

I can't donate billions to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, like Warren Buffet is going to. Nevertheless, I would be happy to donate some space for Bill's posts on my websites, e.g., at
As a sign of deep respect for the person without whom there would be no personal computers!