The Xerox Star, introduced in 1981 by Xerox PARC, revolutionised computing with concepts that became the blueprint for modern systems. Although it wasn’t commercially successful, it had a profound impact on personal computing through its introduction of the Graphical User Interface (GUI).

Before the Star, computers relied heavily on text-based commands, making them inaccessible to many users. The Star’s GUI, which included windows, icons, and menus, transformed computing by allowing users to interact with the system visually and intuitively. This innovation directly influenced the development of the GUI in both Apple’s Macintosh and Microsoft Windows, setting a new standard for ease of use.

Another key contribution was the Star’s implementation of WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get). This concept allowed users to see on the screen a close approximation of what would appear in print, making it easier to format documents. This breakthrough laid the foundation for modern word processing and desktop publishing, paving the way for software like Microsoft Word and Adobe InDesign.

The Star also introduced early concepts of networking and collaboration. It was designed to work seamlessly within a networked environment, allowing users to share files, access resources, and print documents remotely. This foresight foreshadowed the rise of interconnected systems and the internet.

Although the Xerox Star’s high cost and limited marketing led to poor sales, its impact on computing was far-reaching. It set the groundwork for user-centric design and usability, shaping how future personal computers would operate. The Star’s true legacy lies not in its sales, but in the way its groundbreaking ideas defined the direction of computing for decades to come.