Gary Kildall

Gary Kildall was an American computer scientist and microcomputer entrepreneur who played a significant role in the development of the personal computing industry. He is best known for creating CP/M, one of the earliest operating systems used in microcomputers before the rise of Microsoft's MS-DOS. Kildall's contributions to computing extend beyond CP/M, including the development of the GEM (Graphics Environment Manager) desktop environment and his work on early digital rights management technologies.

Early Life and Education

Gary Arlen Kildall was born on May 19, 1942, in Seattle, Washington. He showed an early interest in electronics and computing. Kildall pursued higher education in computer science, earning a Bachelor's degree from the University of Washington and a Ph.D. in computer science from the University of Washington in 1972, focusing on computer architecture and operating systems.

Career

After completing his Ph.D., Kildall worked as a consultant and also took a position as a professor at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. It was during this time that he began developing CP/M. In 1974, Kildall founded Intergalactic Digital Research, later known simply as Digital Research Inc., to commercialize CP/M. The operating system became widely used in the late 1970s and early 1980s, becoming a standard in the burgeoning microcomputer industry.

Kildall's work on CP/M and other software projects made him a key figure in the personal computing revolution. However, his refusal to sign a non-disclosure agreement with IBM led to IBM choosing Microsoft's MS-DOS for its first personal computer, significantly impacting Digital Research's market share and Kildall's influence in the industry.

Legacy

Gary Kildall's legacy in the computing world is significant. His pioneering work on CP/M helped establish the framework for subsequent operating systems, including the separation of hardware and software components, which allowed for greater compatibility across different computer systems. Kildall also contributed to the development of the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System), further standardizing personal computing architecture.

Despite facing challenges and setbacks, particularly in relation to IBM's decision to go with MS-DOS, Kildall's innovations laid the groundwork for much of modern computing. He is remembered not only for his technical contributions but also for his vision of a world where personal computers are ubiquitous and user-friendly.

Kildall passed away on July 11, 1994, but his work continues to influence the field of computing. He was posthumously recognized for his contributions to the industry, including being inducted into the Computer History Museum's Hall of Fellows.

See Also

• CP/M
• Digital Research Inc.
• MS-DOS
• IBM Personal Computer