Spacer Sidebar Directory Map

The Technical Writer's Checklist

Training Express computer learning guides

 

ITrain - International Association of Information Technology Trainers

Shareware Pioneer Passes Away

Phil Katz authored PKZip

ITINFO Sponsor

ITrain - Train the Trainer seminar & conference

Open to teachers, instructors, and trainers from all specialties.

This is a prerequisite for all ITrain members pursuing certification as a Professional Technical Trainer (PTT)

Seminar leader: Dave Murphy, ITrain founder

member@itrain.org
Click here: Online Details

Internet Poll
Have you attended a seminar via e-learning?
yes
no

poll archive

PKZip Author Dies

by Dave Murphy
ISSN 1535-3613

Dave Murphy, DGL President & ITrain founder Phillip W. Katz, 37, died on April 14 from complications arising from a long-time illness.

As a young man, Katz released the PKZip file compression program in 1986. The program revolutionized the world of Bulletin Board Systems (BBS) and the fledgling Internet.

I remember getting my hands on the very first public version. I was able to compress copies of my dBASE, Lotus 1-2-3, and WordPerfect files on to a single diskette. All I had was an IBM PC-XT and an IBM PC Portable ... storage space was at a premium. As new versions were released, I'd eagerly download the updates and rezip my files just to get an extra five percent more compression.

When transferring files online with my high-speed Hayes 1200Kbps modem, every bit of extra compression meant a few minutes saved.

I even got to try the program before I paid for it. PKZip was the first shareware program I ever registered.

Katz became famous for pioneering the shareware concept of software distribution. Users were invited to download and try new software. Only if they liked the program and decided to continue using it were they obligated to purchase the software.

Phil, I never met you in person, but I'll miss you.

Call for Comments

What do you think? Leave your comments on the message center.

References

Message Center

Subscribe to ITINFO.
Receive computing and Internet news & tips
by subscribing to the ITINFO information service.
Type your Internet email address in the form, and click "Subscribe."
Email Address:

Damar Group, Ltd. helps business use technology.

ITINFO is again accepting sponsors. Sponsor messages are included in ITINFO's email newsletter and are permanently posted to DGL's website and online reference areas.

ITINFO is an electronic publication of Damar Group, Ltd., publisher of Training Express computer learning guides. Comments and submissions to info@dgl.com.

Previous issues are on our website at http://dgl.com/itinfo/.

updated May 2, 2000
http://dgl.com/itinfo/2000/it000502.html

Return to DGL homepage
Copyright © 2000, Damar Group, Ltd., All Rights Reserved