Company which either invented or was first to adopt many of the concepts, technologies and language used by desktop
computer users today. In fact, the "Desktop" metaphor for the graphical representation of the
computer's contents is one of the ideas that Apple refined and made
popular in 1983. Microsoft later licensed the use of much of Apple's graphical user interface (the mouse pointer, the Trash / Recycle Bin, pop-up menus, etc.).
Apple Labs invented TrueType font technology, QuickTime, and IEEE-1394, among others. Apple also invented the word "multimedia," which is now used to describe most of the desktop computers sold today.
Apple is also the first company to launch a succesful commecial online
music service.