Bits from Bill

Technology thoughts leaking from the brain of "Bill Pytlovany"

Thursday, May 01, 2008

Fred Langa Announces Retirement

When Fred Langa got his first non-kit personal computer 30 years ago he was hooked. Like many of us, he used his PC knowledge to create programs he thought were needed. Fred had a natural ability to share this knowledge with others and spent most of his time teaching all of us more about our PC’s.

Fred was Editor-in-Chief of Byte Magazine which in the early days was a tech must read. He was also was instrumental in building the circulation of Windows magazine, NetGuide, and Home PC Magazine.

Freds influence became obvious to me when he told his readers know about a new version of WinPatrol some fives years ago. A few months after the release of WinPatrol PLUS Fred posted these comments in his newsletter.


“It's an interesting hybrid tool that combines a Startup/Active Tasks monitor and a way to sniff out Worms, Trojan horses, Cookies, Adware, Spyware and other malicious programs. Now, there's a new version…”

The resulting spike in PLUS membership was due this simple mention in the Fred Langa Newsletter. It also resulted in future mentions in other publications because of all the experts who read his column.


Results of a mention by Fred Langa


Fred announced his retirement today but instead of reflecting back and bragging about his accomplishments, he shared a summary of what he’s learned over the last three decades. Read Freds last column in the free version of the Windows Secrets newletter at https://windowssecrets.com/comp/080501#lplus0.

It’s hard for me to imagine Fred retiring completely. I tried it once and couldn’t do it but Fred has a lot of other great interests that will keep him busy doing good things.


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2 Comments:

Blogger Brian (AKA The Dean) said...

What an outstanding post, Bill. I new about Fred, and (if this column is a true indication of what Fed was like) I am a poorer man for it.

I agree with, I think, everything Fred espouses in that column. I'm just glad he put it down, in a more eloquent way than I ever could.

This, and EVERY, field can use more honest, humble and committed people. I have printed his column and will be making "fair use" copies of it. :#)

With that said, I really hope you don't retire anytime soon, Bill.

6:06 PM  
Blogger Mark said...

Can't find my original comment?

10:47 AM  

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