C H A P T E R 6

Data Input

objects that the user has not selected may appear within the borders of the gray selection box, but only the selected objects are highlighted.

Erasing Text or Shapes

To erase text or shapes, a user scrubs them out with zigzag gestures. Immediately after scrubbing, the user hears a poof sound and sees smoke clouds cover the scrubbed objects. The smoke quickly dissipates to reveal the scrubbed objects have disappeared.

A zigzag must go back and forth at least four times to be considered a scrubbing gesture. The zigzag should have sharp corners, and each segment of the zigzag should be about the same length. The zigzag can have any of the four orientations shown in Figure 6-18.

Figure 6-18Orientations of the scrubbing gesture

Depending on the size of the zigzag, it can erase a letter, a word, or a group of words. Also depending on its size, one zigzag can erase a whole shape or part of one. In addition, a single zigzag can erase text and shapes that have been selected. Figure 6-19 shows examples of scrubbing a little and scrubbing a lot.

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Writing, Drawing, and Editing

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Apple 2 manual Erasing Text or Shapes, 18Orientations of the scrubbing gesture
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2 specifications

The Apple II is a defining product in the history of personal computing, first introduced in 1977 by Apple Computer, Inc. Designed by Steve Wozniak, the Apple II was one of the first highly successful mass-produced microcomputer products and played a significant role in bringing personal computers into homes and schools.

One of the Apple II's standout features was its color graphics capability. It was one of the first personal computers to provide color output, thanks to its built-in video interface. The initial model supported a resolution of 280x192 pixels with a palette of 6 colors, which allowed for vibrant visuals that set it apart from contemporaries like the monochrome Altair 8800.

The Apple II was notable for its open architecture. This design allowed users to expand the computer's capabilities easily through a series of expansion slots. Users could add floppy disk drives, additional memory, and various peripheral devices, making the system highly adaptable to individual needs. This encouraged a thriving ecosystem of third-party hardware and software, which contributed to its popularity.

Another significant feature was its use of the 6502 microprocessor. This 8-bit CPU was not only affordable but also powerful for its time, allowing the Apple II to run various applications efficiently. Along with a built-in keyboard and an innovative plastic case that housed its components, the design was user-friendly and appealing.

The Apple II also introduced the concept of “bootable software” through the use of floppy disks. The disk operating system (DOS) allowed users to store and run multiple programs without having to reload software manually, providing a level of convenience that had not been widely available before. Key software like VisiCalc, the first spreadsheet program, helped boost sales, showcasing the Apple II's utility in business and education environments.

The computer was also well-known for its early adoption of BASIC programming language. Apple provided an operating system that supported Applesoft BASIC, which enabled users, including students, to write their programs, further fostering a community of developers.

In summary, the Apple II's color graphics, open architecture, powerful 6502 processor, innovative use of floppy disks, and support for BASIC programming made it a revolutionary product in its time. Its legacy laid the groundwork for future personal computers and established Apple as a leader in the burgeoning tech industry. The Apple II remains an iconic symbol of the early personal computing era, reflecting a generation's transition into a digitally connected world.
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