2004 Richest Man @ Forbes Magazine

Forbes Magazine recently ranked 400 richest americans in the year 2004. The magazine summarized that the combined net worth of U.S nation's wealthiest climbed to $1 trillion, up $45 billion in 12 months as compared to 2003.In 2004, Bill Gates (real name William Henry Gates III) again, remained at his wealthiest status in the U.S unbeaten since 1992. He was among the wealthiest Americans since 80s though! Here's a simple biography of his:

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Net Worth: $48.0 billion

Age: 48

Marital Status: married , 3 children

Hometown: Medina , WA, U.S.A

Education: Harvard University, Undergraduate - Drop Out

Glorious years

1992: Becomes world's richest man for the first time. Microsoft's operating system thought to be used by 93% of the world's personal computers. The company launches much-ballyhooed Windows 3.1. Gates' Redmond, Washington-based company finishes year with profits of $708 million, compared with $463 million in 1991. Revenue jumps from $1.8 billion to $2.8 billion--the second straight year of 50%-plus growth. Busily constructing an approximately $35 million home in the wealthy enclave of Medina.

1994: Justice Department investigation of the company launched the previous year ends in a consent decree. Microsoft promises to give PC makers more leeway to use the software of its rivals. Gates marries former Microsoft marketing manager Melinda French.

1995: Microsoft launches Windows 95 operating system. Sells more than 1 million copies in four days. After dismissing the Web, Gates turns the company on a dime and says Microsoft strategy is shifting to concentrate on the Internet.

1997: Internet Explorer 4.0 to challenge Netscape Communications' dominance of the browser market. Justice Department sues Microsoft, alleging it violated a 1994 consent decree by forcing computer manufacturers to bundle its Internet browser with its operating system. Microsoft makes $150 million investment in Apple, plunks down $1 billion for an 11.5% interest in Comcast and buys WebTV Networks. Microsoft once again enjoys record profits and revenue, thanks to strong sales of its Office and Windows products.

1999: Microsoft becomes first firm in history to have a market value exceeding half a trillion dollars. Halcyon days, despite nagging antitrust case.

2000: Considering competition, antitrust trial and record philanthropy, Gates is able to retain world's richest man title in 2000. Gives lavishly to his $22 billion Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, even as a federal judge orders his company split in half. Meanwhile, rivals such as Oracle and Sun Microsystems seem better poised to thrive in the New Economy.

2001: Though $9 billion poorer than he was in 2000, Gates extends his lead as world's richest man--he is 38% wealthier than world's second-wealthiest man. The Bush Justice Department scuttles plans to split Microsoft up, striking a deal where the company promises to give PC makers more leeway to use the software of its rivals. Company launches XP operating system and much-hyped video game console Xbox.

2004: Still the same old Wealthiest Gates.

Conclusion: If it was not for the drop out from Harvard, he wouldn't topped the wealthiest man list in America. Today, his Microsoft Windows is installed in 94% of PCs being sold. Be proud of what you are using now. =o)