Bill Gates' childhood was marked by a strong interest in technology and a supportive family that encouraged learning. He showed an early aptitude for computers at a young age, which propelled him towards pursuing programming and software development. Gates' experiences at his school, where he had access to computer resources, enhanced his skills and ignited his entrepreneurial spirit. Furthermore, his mother’s advocacy for education and passion for philanthropy deeply influenced his values, framing his future intentions in his career and charitable endeavors, which would later manifest in the formation of Microsoft.