Gary Kildall

Introduction to Gary Kildall

Gary Kildall, an American computer scientist and entrepreneur, is widely recognized as one of the pioneers in the personal computer industry. He founded Digital Research, Inc., a company that created the CP/M operating system and other software products for early microcomputers.

Early Life and Education

Born in Seattle, Washington in 1942, Kildall developed a passion for electronics and mathematics at a young age. He obtained his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mathematics from the University of Washington. Additionally, he pursued a Ph.D. in computer science at the same university and completed it in 1972.

Development of CP/M

To fulfill the need for a standardized operating system that could run on various microcomputers, Kildall purchased an Intel 4004 microprocessor and constructed a small computer system. Recognizing the importance of this development, he began working on CP/M (Control Program for Microcomputers) during his free time. Alongside CP/M, he also created PL/M, a high-level programming language for microcomputers, and BIOS, a low-level interface that connected the hardware to the operating system.

Founding Digital Research, Inc.

In 1974, Kildall established Digital Research, Inc. (DRI) alongside his wife Dorothy McEwen, who managed the company’s business operations. DRI quickly rose to prominence as a leading supplier of software for microcomputers, particularly CP/M, which gained widespread adoption among hardware manufacturers and software developers.

Final Days

Gary Kildall’s final days were marked by a mysterious incident at the Franklin Street Bar & Grill in Monterey, California. On July 8, 1994, Kildall reportedly stumbled and hit his head near an arcade game in the bar. He sought medical treatment several times in the following days, but doctors couldn’t pinpoint the problem. On July 11, 1994, Kildall was admitted to the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula. He passed away around 9 p.m. that evening at the age of 52.

Cause of Death

The exact cause of Kildall’s death remains unclear. An autopsy performed on July 12 failed to determine the cause of death. Some sources suggest he died from a cerebral hemorrhage, possibly related to a previously diagnosed heart arrhythmia. Others speculate about a possible connection to the bar incident, though this remains unconfirmed. Kildall was cremated after a memorial service later that week.

Legacy

Gary Kildall left behind a significant legacy in the computer industry. He created CP/M, the first widely used operating system for microcomputers. Kildall also invented the BIOS, founded Digital Research, and pioneered the concept of an operating system that could run on different hardware platforms.

Impact on Personal Computing

Although he missed out on the IBM PC deal that made Microsoft a tech giant, Kildall’s contributions to early personal computing were crucial. His work laid the foundation for many aspects of modern computing, and he is remembered as a brilliant innovator who helped shape the personal computer revolution.