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Today in History: Gates and Allen launch Microsoft in Albuquerque

4/4/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On April 4, 1975, Bill Gates and Paul Allen founded Microsoft in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The company aimed to develop and sell BASIC interpreters for the Altair 8800, the first commercially successful personal computer. This marked the beginning of a significant era in the microcomputer revolution, shaping the future of technology.

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Story summary

On April 4, 1975, Bill Gates and Paul Allen founded Microsoft in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The company aimed to develop and sell BASIC interpreters for the Altair 8800, the first commercially successful personal computer. This marked the beginning of a significant era in the microcomputer revolution, shaping the future of technology.