AppleWorks

AppleWorks

AppleWorks was an integrated software package for the Apple II platform, developed by Apple Computer and released in 1984. It combined a word processor, spreadsheet, and database application into a single program, which was a novel concept at the time.

History

AppleWorks was created by Rupert Lissner and was first released in 1984. It quickly became one of the best-selling software packages for the Apple II, due to its versatility and ease of use. The software was distributed by Claris, a subsidiary of Apple, and later versions were developed for the Macintosh platform.

Development

The development of AppleWorks was driven by the need for an integrated software solution that could handle multiple types of office tasks. Prior to AppleWorks, users had to purchase separate programs for word processing, spreadsheets, and databases, which were often expensive and difficult to integrate.

Versions

AppleWorks went through several versions during its lifetime:

• AppleWorks 1.0 (1984) - The original release for the Apple II.
• AppleWorks 2.0 (1986) - Introduced several enhancements and bug fixes.
• AppleWorks 3.0 (1988) - Added more features and improved performance.
• AppleWorks GS (1988) - A version for the Apple IIGS, featuring a graphical user interface.
• ClarisWorks (1991) - A rebranded version for the Macintosh, later renamed back to AppleWorks.

Features

AppleWorks was known for its user-friendly interface and the ability to switch between different types of documents seamlessly. The main features included:

• Word Processor: A full-featured word processing application that allowed users to create and edit text documents.
• Spreadsheet: A spreadsheet application for managing numerical data and performing calculations.
• Database: A database management system for organizing and retrieving data.

Legacy

AppleWorks was eventually discontinued, with the last version being AppleWorks 6, released in 2000. It was succeeded by iWork, Apple's modern office suite. Despite its discontinuation, AppleWorks is remembered fondly by many users for its simplicity and effectiveness.

See Also

• Apple II
• Claris
• iWork

References

• "AppleWorks: The First Integrated Software Package," Computer History Museum.
• "The Evolution of AppleWorks," Macworld.

External Links

• Apple Official Website