C H A P T E R 1

Newton and Its Users

Make your application accessible to people around the world by including support for worldwide capabilities in your designs from the beginning of your development process. Take stock of the cultural and linguistic needs and expectations of your target audiences.

Observe Basic Human Interface Principles

Effective software adheres to certain basic principles no matter whether it runs on a Newton PDA, a personal computer, or a high-powered computer workstation. These principles are based on the capabilities and processes not of the machine but of the human operator—how people usually think, act, and work.

Metaphors

Wherever possible, model the actions and objects in your program on something from the real world. This trick especially helps inexperienced users quickly grasp how your program works. Folders are a classic metaphor. People file things in folders in the real world, so they immediately understand the concept of filing data items in folders on a Newton. Other common metaphors include scrubbing to delete data, tapping buttons to make things happen, sending and receiving things through an in box and out box, setting dates and times on calendars and digital clocks, and homing in on information with alphabetic index tabs. Figure 1-1 illustrates some Newton metaphors.

Metaphors suggest a use for objects and actions in the Newton interface, but that use doesn’t define or limit the implementation of the metaphor. For example, a paper folder has a limited storage capacity, but a folder on a

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Observe Basic Human Interface Principles

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Apple 2 manual Observe Basic Human Interface Principles, Metaphors
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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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