Tete-a-tete with Bill Gates at the 2008 International Consumer Electronics Show, Las Vegas

Want to know about Bill Gates, the person? Well, here’s how.

The head honcho of Microsoft has invited readers of the BBC News website to send him questions about his life and career. This invitation has been extended to readers from all over the world, and the timing could not have been more apt.

Gates delivered the opening keynote (his last) at the 2008 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) yesterday at the Palazzo Ballroom, The Venetian, Las Vegas.

2008 International CES, the largest annual consumer technology show in the world, is underway at Las Vegas from January 7 to January 10, 2008.

Last year, Gates enthralled more than 4,000 attendees with his tenth keynote appearance. He shared how the company is delivering on the promise of the “Connected Experience.”

Incidentally, Gates is gearing up to end his day-to-day involvement with Microsoft, one of the largest and most powerful software companies in the world. He will, however, continue to remain the chairman of Microsoft, advising on the company’s key development projects.

According to the Time magazine, Gates has remained one of the 100 people who most influenced the 20th century, as well as one of the 100 most influential people of 2004, 2005, and 2006. As he readies to change his role, you can send him questions on his life and career here.

The fun doesn’t necessarily end at this. BBC will choose a selection of the best questions, and post the answers straight from the horse’s mouth on their website. The same will also be broadcasted on BBC News.