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Bill's 10 biggest hits

Posted on 12 May 2008 at 12:50

9. Internet information services

Gates' detractors always blame monopolistic practices for their success, but Internet Information Services (IIS) - Microsoft's internet application suite - has stood on a level playing field and come out well. It's suffered major security howlers and it's still nowhere near market domination on the open internet, but it's got to where it's largely on its own merits.

10. Spoof videos

If there's one thing that endeared Gates to the public over the years, it's his spoof videos. Whether it was the Matrix rip-off from 2003 (www.pcpro.co.uk/links/ 164gates1); the "Da da da" Internet Explorer advert with Steve Ballmer (www.pcpro.co.uk/links /164gates3) or his brilliant Last Day at Microsoft from CES 2008 (www.pcpro.co.uk/links /164gates2) Gates' humour injected personality into an often faceless organisation. As the reporter at the end of the Last Day video said: "We'll miss reporting... on this brilliant, powerful and, let's face it, sexy and good-looking leader of men and women, who just doesn't believe in paying more than $7 for a haircut." Amen.

Next: Bill's 10 biggest blunders

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Author: Jack Schofield