Just found an article but can't write links yet - it is on en. wikipedia exact name: History_of_the_graphical_user_interface
I didn't know that Apple borrowed this idea too, like Microsoft - both giants were not the first...

Xerox was the first I believe. Go all the way back to Ventura Publisher, a windowed program before windows. I believe they also came up with the mouse.

A third device was also invented to be used in conjunction with a mouse.  It was a one-handed keyboard (which I happen to still own one of).  The idea being you leave one hand on the keyboard and one on the mouse.  It looks like this:
 

My first experience with mice and computer desktops was with my trusty old Amiga 500. It was a huge step up from my first computer, a C64, and it just felt so futuristic to be able to point and click and have multiple windows open. I still think Workbench was an awesome OS. 

I agree with you Sharke. Both the Amiga and the Atari ST were really ahead of the curve. No idea why they failed, but my first midi studio was the 1040 ST and a room full of keyboards and modules. The Atari had midi ports and the interface built right in. It also used midi as a networking system.

True -> Xerox. Had a friend who managed a Xerox store. He told me Xerox invented it for their products only and had no interest in marketing it or seeking a patent for it. Go figure some other clowns would "take" it and claim ownership and start suing everyone else who dares to implement such technology. I think if "they" really had the right to sue anyone they should also try suing Xerox. Don't actually know if they did try but I'd sure like to see how that one works out for them.

soens
True -> Xerox. Had a friend who managed a Xerox store. He told me Xerox invented it for their products only and had no interest in marketing it or seeking a patent for it. Go figure some other clowns would "take" it and claim ownership and start suing everyone else who dares to implement such technology. I think if "they" really had the right to sue anyone they should also try suing Xerox. Don't actually know if they did try but I'd sure like to see how that one works out for them.

My understanding is that Gates did not take it, but saw it at Xerox and requested to use the concept and Xerox was ok with it as they was not going to market it. That, IMO is not "taking" it (implied theft?).

ampfixer
I agree with you Sharke. Both the Amiga and the Atari ST were really ahead of the curve. No idea why they failed, but my first midi studio was the 1040 ST and a room full of keyboards and modules. The Atari had midi ports and the interface built right in. It also used midi as a networking system.

My first forays into electronic music were done on my Amiga using a crude 8-bit sampling cartridge and OctaMED, a tracker program. But yeah most people I knew who were using MIDI at the time had an Atari ST (and Cubase). I guess they couldn't compete with Windows after '95. I remember lots of talk of an awesome new Amiga OS which was going to be super lean and efficient, but I always knew it wouldn't come to anything. However I remember Amiga magazines kidding themselves that something great was around the corner right up to 2000 or so. 

bapu

soens
True -> Xerox. Had a friend who managed a Xerox store. He told me Xerox invented it for their products only and had no interest in marketing it or seeking a patent for it. Go figure some other clowns would "take" it and claim ownership and start suing everyone else who dares to implement such technology. I think if "they" really had the right to sue anyone they should also try suing Xerox. Don't actually know if they did try but I'd sure like to see how that one works out for them.

My understanding is that Gates did not take it, but saw it at Xerox and requested to use the concept and Xerox was ok with it as they was not going to market it. That, IMO is not "taking" it (implied theft?).

My understanding is that I wasn't referring to Gates but perhaps some others who have made a history of suing those (like Gates) every time they got the chance. Taking is obviously not theft if it's free for the taking. It's taking it and then calling it mine and you can't have it without a fight part that's ridiculous.... to me anyway.  btw, my friend agrees.

My friend agrees as well.