Patrick Joseph McGovern facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Patrick Joseph McGovern
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McGovern awarded the "Innovation Award" for VIA Nano Processor in 2009
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Patrick Joseph McGovern Jr.
August 11, 1937 Queens, New York
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| Died | March 19, 2014 (aged 76) |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (B.S., Biophysics, 1959) |
| Occupation | businessman, publisher, entrepreneur |
| Known for | founding Computerworld magazine, large donation to MIT to found the McGovern Institute for Brain Research |
Patrick Joseph McGovern Jr. (August 11, 1937 – March 19, 2014) was an American businessman. He was the founder and chairman of International Data Group (IDG). This company helped people learn about computers and technology. IDG published magazines, did research, and organized events. In 2013, he was listed as one of the richest Americans. His net worth was about $5.1 billion.
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About Patrick McGovern
Patrick McGovern was born in Queens, New York. His family later moved to Philadelphia. Even at age eight, he delivered newspapers. This showed his early business spirit. He was very smart with computers from a young age.
Early Life and Education
In the 1950s, McGovern won a college scholarship. He earned it by creating a tic-tac-toe computer program. This program was so good, it could not be beaten. He studied at the MIT. He worked for the student newspaper The Tech. In 1959, he earned a degree in biology.
Starting His Business Career
After college, McGovern wrote for the first computer magazine. It was called Computers & Automation. In 1964, he started his own company. It was named International Data Corporation (IDC). IDC created a database for the computer industry. It also published a newsletter.
Three years later, his company was losing money. McGovern then had a great idea. He decided to turn his newsletter into a weekly newspaper. This newspaper became Computerworld. He later started another magazine called PC World.
Global Reach and Popular Books
In 1980, McGovern started a business in China. It was one of the first American-Chinese joint ventures. By 1997, Forbes magazine said he had more readers in China than a major Chinese newspaper.
In 1991, his company published "DOS For Dummies". This was the first book in the famous "For Dummies" series. These books explain complex topics in a simple way. They helped many people understand technology. IDG's publications reached 280 million readers. The company made $3.6 billion in yearly sales.
Personal Life and Giving Back
Patrick McGovern had two children and two stepchildren. He split his time between California and New Hampshire. He and his second wife, Lore Harp McGovern, made a huge donation. They gave $350 million to MIT. This money helped create the McGovern Institute for Brain Research. This institute studies the human brain. He also served on the board of trustees for MIT.
His Passing and Company's Future
Patrick McGovern passed away on March 19, 2014. He was 76 years old. After his death, IDG's ownership went to the McGovern Foundation. In 2016, the company was sold to China Oceanwide Holdings Group. Later, in 2021, IDG was sold again. The Blackstone Group bought it for $1.3 billion.
See also
In Spanish: Patrick Joseph McGovern para niños
