Friday, December 14, 2007

That Microsoft Dude: Bill Gates

An open letter written by Bill Gates himself, the chairman and co-founder of Microsoft Corp. This computer geek literally rules the cyberworld being the richest or perhaps one of the richest men in the world and has recently received an honorary doctorate from his alma mater, Harvard University.


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Bill Gates: The skills you need to succeed

By Bill Gates
Chairman, Microsoft









One of the most important changes of the last 30 years is that digital technology has transformed almost everyone into an information worker.

In almost every job now, people use software and work with information to enable their organisation to operate more effectively.

That's true for everyone from the retail store worker who uses a handheld scanner to track inventory to the chief executive who uses business intelligence software to analyse critical market trends.

So if you look at how progress is made and where competitive advantage is created, there's no doubt that the ability to use software tools effectively is critical to succeeding in today's global knowledge economy.

A solid working knowledge of productivity software and other IT tools has become a basic foundation for success in virtually any career.

Beyond that, however, I don't think you can overemphasise the importance of having a good background in maths and science.

If you look at the most interesting things that have emerged in the last decade - whether it is cool things like portable music devices and video games or more practical things like smart phones and medical technology - they all come from the realm of science and engineering.

The power of software

Today and in the future, many of the jobs with the greatest impact will be related to software, whether it is developing software working for a company like Microsoft or helping other organisations use information technology tools to be successful.

Communication skills and the ability to work well with different types of people are very important too.

A lot of people assume that creating software is purely a solitary activity where you sit in an office with the door closed all day and write lots of code.

This isn't true at all.

Software innovation, like almost every other kind of innovation, requires the ability to collaborate and share ideas with other people, and to sit down and talk with customers and get their feedback and understand their needs.

I also place a high value on having a passion for ongoing learning. When I was pretty young, I picked up the habit of reading lots of books.

It's great to read widely about a broad range of subjects. Of course today, it's far easier to go online and find information about any topic that interests you.

Having that kind of curiosity about the world helps anyone succeed, no matter what kind of work they decide to pursue.


Bill Gates is chairman, chief software architect and one of the founders of Microsoft, the world's largest software company. From July 2008 he will end his day-to-day involvement in the company and focus on the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and its global health and education work.


Source: BBC

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When will I ever be a Billionaire too?



8 comments:

Lee said...

Hi Manal, we are born to be what we are. We can sit and watch the world go by, or move ourselves to reach for the stars.
You can do it, just ask yourself what and where you want to be, and take that first step.
The second step will be easier.
But remember, you are already rich now...with good health and people who love you.
You have a nice day, Manal, Lee.

ManaL said...

Uncle Lee,

I agreed with you on the fact that we have been blessed with the health and love, but i think there is also no harm in dreaming BIG. And yea, the first step is the first hurdle.

I have always been inspired by those self-made billionaires and those rich sons and daughters who are thinking ahead in maximizing their wealths and establishing their legacy for their future generations. I know such a wealth just doesnt happen on itself unless u found harta karun, a rich person passes his/her fortune to u through will or marriage or u hit the jackpot at the sin city or winning the lottery.

IN the meantime, i live my life as it is and accomplish some satisfaction for the efforts i made.

U have a productive week ahead, Uncle Lee, and may we be safe from any harm.

Lee said...

Hello Manal, ada senang pop over for coffee.
You have a nice day, UL.

Siti Khadijah said...

Dear Manal,

What a pleasant surprise to see that you own a blog. I'm wife to Fauzi, the person who used to occupy your office. In the blogging world I'm Madam Curi:))

ManaL said...

Uncle Lee,

My word, i got two stories to read while i was away in bangkok? yea laa, i'd like caffe latte please or caramel macchiato while reading them.

ManaL said...

Prof Madam Curi,

Mrs.fauzi, thanks for dropping by. Unfortunately, i do not occupy his office as it is where Prof. Abu Bakar resides instead. And he let go his office to me. However, I keep fauzi's extention number.

Sudi2 la mai sini lagi... :-)

Lee said...

Hi Manal, I wish you and all at home the best of seasons greetings and a very happy New Year.
Best regards always, UL.

ManaL said...

Uncle Lee,

Terima kasih seribu, and likewise, happy holidays, joyful xmas if u r celebrating it among families and friends, and have a good year 2008.