Initially, it appeared that Steve Jobs had successfully achieved what was considered Bill Gates's greatest fear. Jobs's advancements seemed to threaten the dominance of Microsoft's operating systems, which many computer manufacturers relied on. Companies like Compaq found themselves in a challenging position, as Jobs's innovations disrupted the status quo they depended on.

This dynamic showcased a significant shift within the tech industry, where Jobs’s vision for his products could potentially undermine Microsoft’s market control. The rivalry between the two tech giants highlighted the ongoing struggle for influence and innovation in personal computing, making it a pivotal moment in their respective histories.