Apple Computer A personal computer company founded
in 1976 by Steven Jobs and Steve Wozniak. Throughout the history
of personal computing, Apple has been one of the most innovative
influences. In fact, some analysts say that the entire evolution
of the PC can be viewed as an effort to
catch up with the Apple Macintosh.
In addition to inventing
new technologies, Apple also has often been the first to bring
sophisticated technologies to the personal computer. Apple's innovations
include:
- Graphical user interface
(GUI). First introduced
in 1983 on its Lisa computer. Many components of the Macintosh
GUI have become de facto standards and can be found in other
operating systems, such as
Microsoft Windows.
- Color. The Apple II, introduced in
1977, was the first personal computer to offer color monitors.
- Built-in networking. In 1985, Apple released a new
version of the Macintosh with built-in support for networking
(LocalTalk).
- Plug & play expansion. In 1987, the
Mac II introduced a new expansion bus called NuBus that made
it possible to add devices and configure them entirely with software.
- QuickTime. In 1991, Apple introduced QuickTime,
a multi-platform standard for video, sound, and other multimedia
applications.
- Integrated television. In 1993, Apple
released the Macintosh TV, the first personal computer with built-in
television and stereo CD.
- RISC. In 1994, Apple introduced the
Power Mac, based on the PowerPC RISC microprocessor.
