R scoring peak in desktop user experience
In the early 1980s, two significant players in the world of personal computing made their debuts: Apple's expensive Macs and early versions of Microsoft's Windows. During this time, another desktop operating system, GEM, was also gaining traction, particularly on the Atari ST, thanks to Digital Research.
The roots of GEM can be traced back to Xerox PARC, where a Xerox employee named Dan Ingalls played a crucial role in its development. However, the story of GEM is not just about its origins but also about its journey and the challenges it faced.
As GEM grew in popularity, it found itself in a legal battle with Apple. The tech giant's threat hobbled the interface of later GEM versions, making it less competitive in the market. Despite this setback, GEM continued to be available, shipping with the Atari ST and, later, being made available for use on FreeDOS by Caldera.
By the end of the 1980s, the presence of a desktop environment like GEM marked a computer as special. However, as Windows became the default desktop, GEM struggled to compete when it was offered as an add-on extra. This, combined with the legal issues, led to GEM's decline.
Digital Research, the company behind GEM, dissolved in the early 1990s. However, the story of GEM did not end there. Caldera, a company that later acquired the DR assets, made GEM open-source, allowing it to be used and run today on FreeDOS. It's worth noting that the open-source release of GEM was not affected by any legal threats.
In the present day, desktop environments like GEM are the norm as computer interfaces. While GEM may not be as prominent as it once was, its impact on the world of personal computing is undeniable. The GEM header image, created by Rolf Hartmann, is a testament to this legacy, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Despite Caldera's initial reluctance, they did not try to torpedo Linux, another open-source project that has significantly shaped the modern computing landscape. The story of GEM serves as a reminder of the ups and downs of the tech industry, showcasing both the promise and the challenges of open-source software.
In conclusion, GEM, from its early roots at Xerox PARC to its final dissolution in the early 1990s, is a fascinating chapter in the history of personal computing. Its legacy lives on today, reminding us of the creativity, innovation, and sometimes the obstacles faced by pioneers in the tech industry.
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