Microsoft's biggest hits and misses

The company that Gates built has seen its share of ups-and-downs. Here's a look at some of his greatest successes and failures in the past 30 years.

Farewell, Mr. Gates
Gates looks back
Gates looks back
Bill Gates gave Fortune magazine exclusive access to some rare photos from the Microsoft archives - and shared his memories about them. (more)
An icon's second act
An icon's second act
For Bill Gates, retirement means time to rethink philanthropy, learn biochemistry, and eradicate malaria. (more)
The end of an era
The end of an era
After Gates is gone, it’s going to be tricky for CEO Steve Ballmer to tackle growth, Google - and those pesky Apple ads. ( (more)
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Most Powerful Women Entrepreneurs
Most Powerful Women Entrepreneurs
In partnership with American Express, Fortune searched the U.S. for outstanding female business builders. Fortune honored these game-changers at its recent Most Powerful Women Summit. From Lauren Bush to environmental innovators, here are the winners. More
Dumbest moments in business 2009
Dumbest moments in business 2009
Loudmouth CEOs, islands in the desert and bringing dead celebrities back to life. Our annual list of the business world's bonehead plays marches on. More
A showcase of big ideas
A showcase of big ideas
Fahrenheit 212 has made a thriving business out of solving other companies' innovation problems. Here are a few of their results. More
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