One of the most famous men in the world of technology has given some surprise praise to one of his traditional foes.

Speaking on Keeping America Great, a programme put together and broadcast by CNBC, Bill Gates heaped praise on Steve Jobs, the man behind the money-making machine that is Apple.

When asked by a university student as to what he thought of his traditional rival - who has regularly fought with him in the past over market share - Bill said that Steve had done a "fantastic job".

He opined: "When Steve was coming back to Apple, it was in very tough shape and most likely it wasn't going to survive. He brought in a team and he brought in inspiration in great products and design that's made Apple into an incredible force, and doing good things."

Mr Gates added that out of everyone in the industry that he has worked with, he has shown more inspiration than anyone else.

Also at the event with Bill Gates was Warren Buffett, one of the most successful investors in history, buying stock in the likes of Coca-Cola, Dairy Queen and Fruit of the Loom.

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