Richard Holstein is currently an independent software engineer and consultant. As a Software Principal Engineer at DEC and Compaq from 1977 to 2001, he provided support and development for the DECsystem-10, OpenVMS, and Tru64 UNIX operating systems. In real life, Richie is a volunteer Family Group trip leader for the Appalachian Mountain Club, and has devoted countless hours to trailwork, running, and XC skiing. With Joe McMullen, he co-authored the revised edition of UNIX for OpenVMS Users (Digital Press, 1998).