Apple Computer, Inc. was one of the pioneers of the computer industry with the Apple ][. Though Apple continued to upgrade the Apple ][ line, it began to fall behind the capabilities of the new IBM PCs. In 1984, Apple released the Macintosh as their next generation of computer. The Mac represented a radically different approach to computers. Rather than using the textual command system computers had used for years, the Macintosh used a system of graphic images to interface with the user. This technique, originally explored by Xerox Inc., allowed computer resources like files, disks, printers, etc. to be represented by graphic icons (buttons). The system came standard with user interface items like a |mouse|, pull-down menus, overlapping graphics windows, ~fonts~, and other accessories.
These benefits did not come without a price. The Macintosh was incompatible with both the older Apple ][ line and the rapidly developing IBM PC market. The Mac got a tremendous boost in 1986 from the introduction of the Apple LaserWriter. This high-quality printer, with its sophisticated font and graphic capabilities, allowed the creation of a new class of software - desktop publishing. This suddenly gave the Mac a dramatic advantage over PCs. Almost overnight, the Mac became the preferred platform for graphic and publishing work. This newfound popularity gained the machine acceptance and allowed it to mature.
The major components of a Macintosh are nearly identical to those of an IBM PC. Some versions have a monitor integrated into the system, while other have more traditional component layouts.
Macintosh systems cannot run IBM/DOS programs, nor can PCs run Mac software. This is because of fundamental differences in the Mac's microprocessor and operating system. Where IBM PCs use 8086 based processors, and DOS as their operating system, Macs are based on the 68000 series microprocessor and use an operating system known as the MacOS.
Today, more than 35 Macintosh models are available and roughly 1 in 4 computers is a Mac. In 1993, Apple became the largest desktop computer manufacturer in the world. The larger IBM PC market is fractured into hundreds of "clone" manufacturers. Apple's copyrights and patents ensure that all Macintosh systems come from Apple.
The Macintosh interface has had a profound affect on the computer industry in general. Mice have become common equipment with PCs, pull down menu and windowing systems have become very popular, and fonts are almost required for word processing systems.
