The legendary Apple Macintosh computer turns 40

According to Neowin , when the first Macintosh was released, the mouse - a device that controlled an on-screen cursor - became the popular means of controlling computers. This method of navigation was a real breakthrough at the time, where computers typically had text-based command-line interfaces and input was done using a keyboard.

Chiếc máy tính huyền thoại Apple Macintosh tròn 40 tuổi- Ảnh 1. — The first Macintosh was released on January 24, 1984.

In a 1984 press release, Apple stated: "Users tell the Macintosh what to do by moving a "mouse," a small pointing device, to select functions listed in menus and graphical icons on the screen. Users no longer have to memorize countless obscure conventional computer shortcut keys. The result is radical usability and a dramatically reduced learning curve. At its core, the Macintosh is a desktop computer that offers users more functionality and creativity with simplicity."

Apple added that training to use the Macintosh took only a few hours. The computer featured a desktop with icons, provided drop-down menus, copy and paste functionality, and allowed multiple programs to run in windows.

Commenting at the time, Steve Jobs said: "The Macintosh fits easily on your desk, both in terms of operation and physical design. With the Macintosh, the computer encourages spontaneity and originality rather than creating barriers. It opens up a new perspective on ideas and relationships. The Macintosh not only increases productivity but also encourages creativity."

The original Macintosh started at $2,495, which is more than $7,000 today based on inflation. It had an 8 MHz processor, 128 KB of RAM, a 400 KB floppy disk drive for data storage, and serial ports for connecting printers and other peripherals.

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