Rebirth of America, this is my time

Hello, Aribaty, welcome to the Donahue show. I am Phil Donahue, who has always loved you. The white man in a suit and tie stared at the camera with a smile and talked. Perhaps in the gone Christmas of 1978, everyone was enjoying the joy brought by Ethan Jones. The new version of Pac-Man, that is, Ms. Pac-Man is better than the previous one Pac-Man is so much more fun, whether it’s the setting of ghosts or the individually added props, it adds a lot of excitement and fun to the already wonderful game, making us want to stop playing it.”

but--

With the arrival of 1979, another name emerged. It took only three days for him to occupy our attention, and we discovered that calculations can be so simple!

For countless office workers, he may be a light in the darkness, dispelling the coldness of the night, illuminating the whole world, and allowing us to enjoy the convenience brought by technology!

Speaking of which, many people may already know who he is, yes! Our guest today is the founder of Microsoft, William Henry Gates III, who launched the spreadsheet!

Amidst a burst of high-pitched and passionate calls, countless applause rang out. The big boy sitting next to Phil Donahue smiled and waved to the camera, and nodded to the host of the Donahue Show, saying : Hi Phil, it's great to be a guest on your show.

Oh - No - The Phil Dorner Show shook his head very exaggeratedly and said: I should be the right word for honor, because you accepted my invitation and came to my show. This must be a very difficult decision for you, and I know you will likely be very busy over the past few weeks and for years and decades to come.

Oh, thank you. Bill Gates nodded, Thank you for recognizing me. Of course, I also hope that I can serve the people of the United States for several years, or even decades, as you said.

Perhaps it's because Bill Gates hasn't spoken in public much before, but it's also possible that he's a little nervous about appearing on a show for the first time, so he seems a little reserved at the moment.

But that's not a big problem for Phil Donahue.

As a special correspondent for the CBS Evening News in the 1950s, he has been in the media industry for more than 20 years and has interviewed famous figures from all over the United States such as James Hoffa, Le Zong, Johnny... For Carson, who once interviewed hippie leader Jerry Rubin, it is instinct to guide the topic and make the guests comfortable.

The two chatted for a while, asked about the suit that Gates wore today, and sighed about the Harvard University where he once studied. After Gates relaxed, Phil Donahue smiled and asked Said: So, can I know why you developed Excel? You know, in the past two weeks, your product has caused a sensation throughout America.

…………

What?

Ethan?

Is this your inspiration?

When Bill Gates demonstrated the functions of Excel in front of everyone, after inputting preset formulas, creating accounting forms, confirming formulas, and modifying data, new content can be automatically obtained, transforming traditional cardboard documents into The reality of becoming a paperless office amazed everyone at the party.

Especially when Bill Gates said that the inspiration for this product came from Ethan's story, several people at the scene turned to look at Ethan who was leaning on the sofa, although he was a little lazy at the moment and still had a smile on his face. He was smiling with satisfaction, but now, no one thought he was easy to get along with.

It's not because Ethan is hiding something from them again!

But Ethan shocked them again!

Because no matter how interesting the games Ethan released before were, they were just entertainment.

Even if Snake has embedded the philosophy of life, Pac-Man has turned the thesis on artificial intelligence into reality, Star Wars has set off a frenzy of public opinion, and Starry Sky has made an in-depth exploration of computer performance. But these are ultimately just people’s pastimes and sources of happiness.

It is a way to relax mentally, but it will never be the only way in life.

At least most people don't.

but now--

The special code in Excel is revolutionary!

Because humans can never get rid of the production habits given by society!

As long as society is functioning, production will continue! And when traditional paper statements, paper forms, and paper finance become electronic offices that rely on computers...

The entire human lifestyle will change!

In the past, no matter how well Ethan boasted that Apple computers could make games, no matter how hard Jobs and Woz tried to increase the performance and functions of Apple computers, in the eyes of the public, Apple computers were just computer enthusiasts and people. It's just a bigger and more expensive toy for us. But one day, toys suddenly become functional and can bring convenience to human life...

What the hell!

Jobs jumped up from the sofa, rushed to Ethan, grabbed him by the collar, and roared loudly: Ethan! Do you really know what you have done?

You have turned Apple into a productive tool!

Oh God!

Do you still remember what I told you a few years ago?

“Stephen and I have no idea how to sell computers to the public!”

Because we think people may not be able to use it!

But what now?

Two years? Or three years? You fucking solved this problem!

Oh - why didn't you tell me about this earlier! This is incredible!

…………

“The inspiration for the Excel product actually came from my interactions with my friends.”

On the TV, Bill Gates wearing gold-rimmed glasses smiled and said.

You mean, this is not your work alone? Phil Donahue caught the question, This is a collaboration between you and your friends?

Of course. Bill Gates nodded: I am not actually the proposer of the idea. I am just a practitioner who has produced an excellent idea.

He spread his hands slightly and said, That was one day last year. A friend of mine told me that the current financial statements are very troublesome to use, because once the data is modified, it needs to be recalculated and re-created. Although many of the contents of the tables are not advanced calculations, the huge amount of data will make calculations very difficult. Moreover, once an error occurs, for example, there is an extra cent on the financial statement, it will make the calculation very difficult. The finance people went crazy.

Because no one can tell at a glance whether the errors on the finished report are filling errors or calculation errors. This requires everyone to go through it from beginning to end to check.

So, he really hopes that one day in the future, he can have a tool that can help him calculate data, just like the calculator we got ten years ago. If the computer is not smart enough, then he hopes to get a A computer, and then... we were all stunned.

Stunken? This situation did not occur to Phil Donahue.

Bill Gates laughed loudly, waved his hands and said, Yes! I was just stunned! Because we have computers! Personal computers, Apple II! Then we started trying to make smart forms on it, Then Excel was born!”

Oh - that's it - Phil Donahue suddenly realized.

The next second, he said regretfully: When you said 'stupefied', I thought there was a huge twist behind it, but I didn't expect that this would be the final outcome.

So I'm the clown. He laughed at himself at the camera.

Bill Gates also quickly redeemed himself, saying: No, No, No, I just hope my story can be more exciting, but unfortunately, our real experience is so dull.

…………

MFxxk! Steve! Are you trying to kill me?

Ethan slapped Jobs' arm away and kicked him aside. Although Xiao Qiao's figure is not as wild as Woz's, as long as he is a man, he doesn't want to stay down there!

While getting up from the sofa, Ethan also saw the wolf-like eyes around him.

People like Spielberg seemed to have seen a beauty and wanted to eat her alive, but it was more like a dying man seeing hope, with desire permeating every pore in his body.

Oh - don't be like this. Ethan sat upright and admitted with a smile, Yes, I did provide the inspiration for this thing. But isn't it a normal thing? All human beings Inventions are all for a better life. Since asking questions is a human instinct, then my behavior is easy to understand, right? I just hope to get more convenience.

But the effect you showed is not that simple. Bill Mensch said with emotion: I believe everyone has dreamed and longed to change the world one day, but for 99% of the people in this world For people, dreaming is just dreaming.”

Yes. George Lucas agreed: Although the remaining one percent can turn their dreams into reality, these people can only do one thing well in their lifetime.

But you are different.

Ethan, you seem to be making a lot of them.

Lucas cast an inquiring look at Ethan.

The people around him nodded in agreement.

Just when they were looking forward to how Ethan would speak, Ethan waved his hand and said, Oh, you guys are so nice to talk to. Since you are so good at talking, can you talk more? I like to hear it.

What? Ethan's reaction confused everyone present.

And Ethan smiled and said: Yes! You are right! I have indeed done a lot of things that changed the world! Because I like the feeling of shaking the world! I also like the scene of being popular!

Or -

“At one point, I even felt like I was a god!”

... The sudden change in painting style made everyone at the scene a little confused.

The bewildered figure made Ethan clapped his hands and laughed, Yo yo yo——

You think I'm abnormal when I'm humble, and you think I'm wrong when I'm proud.

Since being a human being is so difficult, I won't do it!

From today on, all you need to do is worship me!

The villain-like declaration made the mouths of everyone present twitch.

The first person who couldn't stand listening was Spielberg. He took out the pillow behind him and threw it at Ethan.

roll--

Faced with the incoming pillow, Ethan didn't panic and dodged it smoothly.

At the same time, a wild laugh burst out from his mouth, Hahaha——

Steven - are you envious?

Envy me for having so many inspirations?

... The arrogant words made Spielberg's eyelids jump.

When he discovered that Ethan was twisting his butt with his back turned...

George—beat him!

He shouted loudly and rushed forward.

Up, up, up!

Jobs, who got up from the ground, did not show any weakness and called Woz to join the battle group.

This situation made Bill Gates and Paul Allen standing aside a little dumbfounded, but soon, Bill Gates took off his sneakers and encouraged his friends: Let's go too -

MFxxk! I've wanted to beat him up for a long time!

This man is so good at pretending!

The tumultuous scene made Evelin’s mouth twitch.

She sighed at the perfect blend of screams of pain and laughter, a perfect blend of wails and taunts.

A bunch of... psychos... she muttered.

…………

Oh, no - Phil Donahue retorted: William, you are wrong, you are very wonderful now, or in other words, you have given the already colorful world a different color!

Excel is a cross-era product! It gives computers the function of production! This will improve the production efficiency of people around the world, and will also allow people to enjoy the convenience brought by technology!

You are great pioneers! Amazing fighters!

Oh, thank you. Bill Gates pushed up the glasses on his nose and accepted the compliment.

After chatting for a while, Phil Donahue asked another question.

Well William, I want to know, can the Excel product only be used on the second generation of Apple?

He held his chin with one hand, looked at Bill Gates, and said: As far as I know, when you released Excel, you made a clear statement that the software can only run on the second generation of Apple.

Why is this?

When asked, Phil Donahue also turned around and looked at the camera in front of him. It seemed that he was giving a live broadcast, but it was more like communicating with the audience on the other side of the TV. I think, this The issues are important to each and every one of us.”

Because there are so many personal computers on the market today.

Although the second generation of Apple has been the most popular product in the past two years, at the same time, many people have chosen computers from other companies, such as Tandy and Komodo...

If a tool really emerges that can bring convenience to people, then I hope that this tool can be universal on all computers, rather than a specific product on a single computer.

Can you understand me, Mr. Gates?

Phil Donahue turned his head and looked at Bill Gates again.

Bill Gates in front of the camera nodded and showed a gentlemanly smile.

Of course, Mr. Donahue, of course I understand.

…………

What?

Ethan? The reason you didn't tell me in advance is because Excel is not exclusive to Apple?

After the fight, classmate Xiao Qiao was shocked when she learned the truth.

He was still paralyzed on the ground and gasping for breath. He jumped up instantly, his ears were like antennas, and his eyes were as wide as copper bells. He shot a death stare at Ethan, Why???

He said loudly: Is this because we at Apple are not doing well?

The chubby little Woz got up panting.

While leaning aside to rest, his eyes also focused on Ethan.

No. Ethan, who was lying on the ground, shook his head and said, You did a good job.

That's why I asked William to make Excel for you, and asked him not to provide similar products for other computers within six months after Excel is launched.

But this is not exclusive! Jobs shouted: When other companies use the same product, our product will have no advantage!

Cheap computers will quickly take over the market!

We at Apple will be doomed!

…………

In fact, when we made Excel, we wanted to serve people all over the world. Bill Gates on the TV was smiling and speaking slowly: But the reality is harsh. It gave us a slap in the face, because in the current market, only Apple computers meet the running requirements of Excel, and the Tandy and Commodore you mentioned... they can't do it.

Oh, why is this? Phil Donahue asked curiously.

Because their computers don't have enough memory. Bill Gates said: Although my next words may hit other computer companies in the market, affect their product sales, and affect their company's stock price, I still Want to say.

Whether it's Tandy or Komodo, in order to gain more market share, they blindly emphasize low prices. They attract customers with low prices, and at the same time, for the sake of profit, they are also extremely compressing what a computer should have. performance.

I don't want to emphasize a lot of professional vocabulary here, so next I will use a metaphor to describe to you what those computer companies have done... If you have an impression, it should be clear that before, the founder of Destiny Game Ethan Jones has always said that their video games are made with Apple computers, and why is that? Because other companies' products are not suitable.

If the product Apple provides to users is a normal-sized canvas that painters like, and a complete paint tray, then the products of other companies are a book-sized drawing paper, and then only a few sketches. Pencil used.”

If everyone draws just some simple drawings, then there is no difference between Apple's computers and other companies' computers. But if you want to draw a beautiful oil painting, then people with an A4 paper and a sketch pen cannot do it. to all this.”

That's why we can't provide Excel for other computers.

Because the 16KB RAM of the Apple II is the minimum standard for Excel to run.

Computers made by other companies...cannot handle...

At this point, Bill Gates shrugged, looking regretful.

…………

Whether Apple will be finished or not depends not on Excel, but on you.

Although he was yelled at by Jobs, Ethan was not angry. After getting up from the ground, he came to the Apple II and looked at the dark interface with some emotion.

If you think a piece of software can change Apple's destiny, then you'd better not start a business. I can acquire all your shares now, and then you can do what you love.

Ethan! Jobs stamped his feet and shouted loudly: You——

He wanted to curse, but...

Can't make a sound.

Woz, who was leaning aside, opened his mouth slightly. He also wanted to speak, but...

He didn't know what to say.

Everyone around them looked tense, they didn't know how things had developed to this point.

What's wrong? Is there something wrong?

Ethan patted the Apple II next to his hand and said with a smile: Why is Apple successful? Is it because I spare no effort to promote it? Is it because Lawrence Rockefeller was optimistic about it and helped it open up the education market? Yes, these are reasons, but they are not the key at all!”

“The real key is innovation!”

Ethan raised his voice and said loudly: Do you remember the first time Stephen and I met? You were arguing with others because those people said you broke their Altair!

I came out to guarantee it and asked you to repair it!

At that time, after the repairs were completed, Stephen expressed his disapproval of the Altair design!

He said Altair was rubbish! The computer he designed himself was!

Then you showed me how Apple could use one circuit board to carry all the chips!

This special code is the reason for your success!

Ethan knocked on the table and stepped forward step by step.

Later, when you were researching new products, you added game functions to it, game joysticks to it, color displays to it, and external disks to it!

Although these things are not inventions, being ahead of your peers is the key to your success! Because without these, they are not Apple, just an ordinary computer!

Ethan came to Jobs and poked Jobs' chest hard with his fingers.

Steve, I have always been grateful to you! Because it was you who brought me to Atari and enabled me to sell Snake to every corner of America in the shortest possible time!

Steve, thank you very much! Without you, I wouldn't have met Stephen, I wouldn't have been exposed to Apple, and I wouldn't have been exposed to 6502!

Steve, I will always remember the help you gave me when I was in trouble! If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have met Steven or gotten help from Professor Ralph Bell!

But there's one thing I really want to say—

Steve! If you can't even see your company's biggest asset! The innovation that comes from the collision of your own inspiration and Stephen's technology! Then you are still a shitty company!

You are so lucky to open an orchard and grow apples yourself!

…………

Oh - Phil Donahue understood. He looked at Bill Gates and said, You mean, other companies' computers are inferior products?

No - Bill Gates shook his head and denied: They are not inferior products, it's just that Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak made Apple too good.

So, what you are saying is that if other companies can launch products as good as Apple in the future, then you will also let Excel log in to those machines? Phil Donahue asked.

Of course! My goal is to serve the people of all America and strive for the progress of all mankind.

Bill Gates smiled and nodded.

Then I think Apple is going to suffer.

Phil Donahue said: Your promise will affect their sales, because after watching our program, some people will definitely choose to wait. After all, Apple's current price is too expensive.

An iPhone 2 plus an external disk costs $1,800.

This is not something ordinary people can afford.

Really? But I don't think so. Bill Gates disagreed, with a different kind of light shining in his eyes under the lenses, Because I think Apple will keep running as it goes further and further on the road of innovation.

Do you think they will always be the leader in personal computers?

Phil Donahue was a little surprised.

Yes. Bill Gates nodded.

Why? Phil Donahue asked.

Well - can I say - this is God's will? Bill Gates made a face.

Hahahaha—— That look made everyone at the scene burst into laughter.

…………

Oh - Ethan - I -

Ethan's bright eyes made Jobs' mouth open slightly.

After looking at each other for a long time, he suddenly smiled, spread his hands and said, Sorry.

I just don't want to lose.

The words of weakness made everyone at the scene breathe a sigh of relief.

Ethan, on the other hand, punched his chest and turned to look at the still glowing computer screen.

Steve, although Excel will not belong to Apple, in the future, only Apple will be able to use the latest Excel. Ethan pursed his lips and said, This is the agreement between William and I.

This is also the premise for me to give my inspiration to him.

What? This fact surprised both Jobs and Wozniak.

And when they set their sights on Bill Gates and Paul Allen...

They who had taken off their shoes to join the battle group also nodded, Yes.

We will promote the Excel product to the outside world like crazy.

But at the same time, we will ensure Apple's leadership in Excel.

As long as Ethan is here.

Oh! Yes!

The affirmative answer made Jobs jump.

Oh! Sxxt! Ethan! Why didn't you say something like this earlier!

He punched Ethan in the arm.

Before Ethan could answer, the next second Jobs rushed in front of Bill Gates and opened his arms towards him and Paul Allen, Oh - good brother - come and hug me -

“What you guys made is really great!”

Of course, the choice to let Apple take the lead is even more correct!

The neurotic behavior is a surprise that comes unexpectedly, and it is also a source of happiness for another village.

As for the reason?

Everyone on the scene can actually understand.

When Ethan Jones endorsed Apple crazily and Lawrence Rockefeller helped them with their education procurement, Apple still did not monopolize the entire computer market.

Is this because Apple is not good?

of course not.

It's because they are too expensive.

There are only two ways to monopolize a market. Either the product in hand is irreplaceable, or the product can compete with other companies without profit. The former cannot be done by Apple, and the latter cannot be done by Apple.

In this case, if you want to help Apple maintain its leading position, you can only use other means. For example, like now, open Excel to the market to prevent other companies from making office software, and then, Apple Full of preference.

When people discover that only by being an Apple user can they experience the latest features of Excel, they will naturally have the idea of ​​choosing Apple.

This subtle concept implantation can make Apple unfavorable in the market.

This is actually why Ethan chose Microsoft.

Because once Apple is allowed to make its own office suite, it will only make other companies that want to enter the computer industry even more crazy. Only by taking out the office suite and making it for Microsoft can they control other manufacturers.

Looking at the slightly crazy figure, Ethan also breathed a sigh of relief.

To be honest, he had always known that Jobs would not be happy after handing over Excel to Microsoft, so how to appease him became a headache for him.

Before, Ethan had thought about asking Xiao Zhi to use emotion to move him to reason and tell him that no one in this world can eat the cake alone, but later, after thinking about it, Ethan gave up.

Because he has a special code and wants to eat the cake all to himself!

It's like he has long known that the video game industry cannot be monopolized but still suppresses his opponents!

It's like he hired Microsoft to make his own office suite!

Special code! Why should you share a market with others when you can monopolize it?

When this fact emerged, he no longer thought about comforting things.

Let nature take its course and adapt to circumstances.

And today...

Although the beginning was a bit unexpected and the process was a bit tortuous, the result was good.

Staring at the figures hugging each other, looking at the eager figure jumping up and wanting to understand all the functions, Ethan was very happy. As long as the few people in front of him can get along in a friendly relationship for more than ten years, then...

Hehehe—— Ethan laughed out loud.

What are you thinking about? When the atmosphere at the scene returned to its original state, Evelin also came over.

You were angry just now, and now you're giggling?

You're not out of your mind, are you?

The girl reached out and wanted to touch Ethan's forehead.

Ethan did not dodge and continued to stare, but said: I am thinking that if you give me ten years at the current pace of development, even Lawrence Rockefeller will take off his hat to say hello to me when he sees me.

... The girl almost choked to death at Ethan's words.

You are really sick! She rolled her eyes and walked away.

But Ethan felt that he was normal.

Because when Microsoft and Apple were brother companies of each other...

Ah--

This is really not because he looks down on people!

But everyone here is rubbish!

When Ethan had this mentality and asked Microsoft to release Excel in early 1979, Bill Gates, who had been gearing up for a blockbuster, directly called his mother.

And after his mother helped him find advertising resources for Quanmi Promotion...

Microsoft became famous overnight!

Almost instantly, Bill Gates became the brightest star in America!

After Excel was released, it sold 40,000 copies in just one week.

This number seems a bit unremarkable, but before the selling price of US$99.99, the revenue of nearly 4 million is shocking to countless people.

After waiting for Bill Gates to accept the interview on the Dona Show and tell the fact that only the second generation of Apple can carry Excel according to Ethan's request...

A year and a half after its initial release, the Apple II has achieved its own sales peak!

Even if it sells for more than a thousand, that can't stop people and businesses from being enthusiastic about it!

The disk launched by Steve Wozniak last year was even sold out.

Because without that thing, Excel can't run at all.

If in December last year, the sky over the entire America was shrouded in endless stars, then now, in January 1979, the entire America is ablaze!

This situation made Komodo, who had just completed the acquisition, almost spit out a mouthful of blood.

Even if they urgently announced that they would make a computer with the same performance as the Apple II, their stock price was shaved by nine points after the opening.

Tandy Co., which promoted sales at low prices, was even worse. The fifteen-point drop was a sign of the market's unfavorability.

And Rockwell, which announced last year that it would enter the personal computer industry...

Chairman Willard Rockwell Jr. was staring at the blue sky outside the window at the moment. Only after the knock on the door rang, he came back to his senses and called out to come in.

Then, the patter of footsteps came from far and near. After it disappeared, a cold female voice also spread throughout the huge office, Boss, the information you requested has been sorted out...