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Michael Dell Bio, Founder of Dell Computer

Born February 23, 1965, in Houston, Texas, Michael Dell's interest in computers began in his teens. Just as teen mechanical engineers may start out by taking apart and rebuilding a bicycle or engine, Dell took apart and rebuilt his Apple IIe personal computer simply to see what it would involve. As a 19 year old, he dropped out of the University of Texas to run PC's Limited, a computer company he started with a $300,000 loan from his grandparents. PC's Limited sold IBM-compatible home computers Dell built at home, which beginning in 1985 included computers of his own design using Intel processors.

In addition to selling to local customers, Dell advertised in national computer magazines and custom-built his computers to order. In 1988, he took the company public and changed the name to the Dell Computer Corporation. The following year, the company began setting up on-site service. A brief dalliance with superstore retailing proved unsuccessful, and in 1996, the company began selling its computers direct from its website, helping it to become the largest PC retailer by the end of the decade.

From 2004 to 2007, Dell briefly stepped down as CEO of the company, though remained as chairman. At the same time, shareholders voted to change the name of the company to Dell Inc., reflecting the expansion of the product line to other items. Dell has since resumed his place as CEO, and is estimated by Forbes to be the 30th richest person in the world.

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