PC software pioneer Gary Kildall's life and mysterious death at Monterey bar

PC software pioneer Gary Kildall's life and mysterious death at Monterey bar

[svRx]

So glad to see a news outlet cover this commemoration. Gary deserves to be remembered.

[STRDVD]

Gary was a nice guy in an industry that often doesn't reward nice guys.

[cryptoalien]

There should be a Netflix show on him so people would know who he was and how he helped shape the world we live in now...

[lobabobloblaw]

There’s nothing like Computer Chronicles. I live in the PNW and was lucky to have stumbled onto the show through Internet Archive. I wish we had a show like that today. RIP GK

[terrylandess]

So Gates basically showed he wasn't above using someone else's sweat to deal himself into the game. This is why the world doesn't need that type making decisions for it.

[JaycRam]

The way people talk about Gary, he came off as a good person, who deserved more than he got.

It's too bad Gates and Jobs get all the recognition.

[Teelirious]

Every time I hear the IBM story it strikes me how weird it is to for them to just show up unannounced to make an industry-changing deal and then be peeved that a busy guy isn't there. Something not straight, there.

[reggiebenes]

I knew one of the many VPs for IBM, that dealt with the OS negotiations, and he said that Kildall could have sued IBM and won over MS-DOS being a basic clone of CPM. He said that they chose Microsoft because they felt that Microsoft would do anything that IBM needed to get the system done, and they were right, they obviously underestimated Gates business savvy and ruthlessness. That being said, Gary Kildall was an extremely wealthy man, and ridiculously intelligent. If he had lived, he would be better remembered, because he would have definitely done many more things in the computer industry.

[Darhan]

Fascinating and tragic story. I grew up in Monterey, and I remember Digital Research. I didn't know this whole backstory, however. I feel like there are still questions I need to ask my parents while they're around.

[bikesbeersbeats]

Whats not mentioned here is Bill Gates's father was a well known and respected investor in Seattle (he helped Starbucks get going) and had many connections. Bill Gates mother had a personal connection with the chairman of IBM through her non-profit.

[Kiss__Kiss]

Man, this brings back a lot of memories. I remember being in college studying DOS. Rest In Peace, Mr. Kildall.

[kevinfisher]

Gary was a great host on the Computer Chronicles. A wonderful, unassuming guy.

[CoreyChambersLA]

The text on the plaque reads:

IEEE MILESTONE IN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
AND COMPUTING

The CP/M Microcomputer Operating System, 1974

Dr. Gary A. Kildall demonstrated the first working prototype of
CP/M (Control Program for Microcomputers) in Pacific Grove in
1974. Together with his invention of the BIOS (Basic Input Output
System), Kildall's operating system allowed a microprocessor-
based computer to communicate with a disk drive storage unit and
provided an important foundation for the personal computer
revolution.

April 2014

[pumpkinbread]

Used to live in that neighborhood in PG and must have driven or walked pass the house hundreds of times. Thank you for sharing a fascinating piece of history.

[projectcontractors]

“Bill is basically unimaginative and has never invented anything, which is why I think he's more comfortable now in philanthropy than technology. He just shamelessly ripped off other people's ideas.” ~ Steve Jobs

[Windowsx]

A wonderful person who should (unfortunately is) never be forgotten. Nowhere Gates and his ilk. Gary was amazing just like the real computer was amazing. All honor and respect to truly valuable people ❤❤❤

[lenkapenka]

Gary is certainly not forgotten by many of us....

[kimberlygrace]

I’ve become fascinated with this story of Gary Kildall, after listening in person to the playwright Steve Hauk tell me of his research and personal experiences referenced in this news piece, replaying on YouTube. He has written an amazing play on this that somehow should be produced!!!

[Gardnerlopz]

Great report on a true American genius. Hello from Brazil.

[drewapenner]

Whoever did the soundtrack to this deserves a raise. So perfect.