G L O S S A R Y

context-sensitive

Describes an application that can adjust its actions

 

according to the current situation. For example, an

 

application with context-sensitive user input adjusts

 

handwriting recognition according to the type of field

 

(name, date, time, number, phone number, and so on).

control

An object in a container view that a user can manipulate

 

with a pen to cause instant action with visible results or

 

to change settings to modify a future action.

Date Book

The built-in application for recording and viewing

 

appointments and calendar notes, setting alarms,

 

entering repeating events, and keeping a to-do list.

dimmed

Describes words or objects that appear gray. Do not dim

 

text or objects in Newton applications; hide objects that

 

are disabled or unavailable.

divider bar

See separator bar.

double-tap

To touch the same spot, or nearly the same spot, twice in

 

rapid succession with the pen.

drag

To place the pen on a movable object, slide the pen

 

to move the object, and lift the pen to stop moving

 

the object.

drag handle

A small control that a user can drag to move a container

 

view. It is a small black tab with a central hole, and is

 

centered in the view’s top border.

drawer

A container view that slides open and closed at the

 

bottom of another container view.

edit

To change or modify. For example, to insert, remove,

 

replace, or move text.

electronic ink

The marks a user sees as the user writes or draws on the

 

screen, as opposed to the typeset words or regular

 

shapes the system displays when it recognizes the

 

user’s writing or drawing.

endpoint

A type of communications connection such as a

 

serial connection, modem, infrared beam, or

 

AppleTalk network.

expando

An input area that expands when tapped to become

 

large enough for writing.

GL-3

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Image 283
Apple 2 Context-sensitive, Control, Date Book, Dimmed, Divider bar See separator bar Double-tap, Drag handle, Drawer

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.