G L O S S A R Y

busy cursor

A graphical signal that the system displays

 

automatically while it is temporarily unable to process

 

user input.

button

A small graphic object that performs an action when

 

tapped. See also picture button and text button.

button bar

A thick black line with buttons on it.

caret

A symbol (^) displayed where the Newton will next

 

insert text that a user writes, prints, or types.

character

Any symbol that has a widely understood meaning and

 

thus can convey information. Some characters—such as

 

letters, numbers, and punctuation—can be displayed on

 

the Newton, faxed, sent in an e-mail message, and

 

printed on a printer.

checkbox

A standard Newton control that displays a setting,

 

either checked (on) or unchecked (off). Tapping a

 

checkbox or its text label reverses its setting. One

 

or more checkboxes can be checked. Compare to

 

radio button.

close

To make a container view go away by tapping the

 

Close box.

Close box

A small square box with an X inside, located in the

 

lower right corner of a container view. Tapping it

 

closes the container view. Compare to large Close box.

command

An instruction that causes the Newton or a device

 

connected to it to perform some action. The user issues

 

a command by tapping a button or choosing an item

 

from a picker.

confirmation slip

A view that appears on-screen to have the user confirm

 

or cancel an action that may have far-reaching

 

consequences.

container view

A framed object that displays information (text, graphics,

 

or both) and may contain controls that the user operates

 

by tapping, as well as areas where the user can write

 

and draw.

GL-2

Page 282
Image 282
Apple 2 Busy cursor, Tapped. See also picture button and text button, Button bar, Caret, Character, Checkbox, Close

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.