A Rich Neighbor Named Xerox

In November 1983, Steve Jobs confronted Bill Gates about the possibility of Microsoft copying Macintosh ideas. Despite an agreement not to ship mouse-based software for a year after the Mac's release, Microsoft announced Windows in 1983, leading to a heated meeting between Jobs and Gates. Microsoft's initial Windows version was crude, lacking the Mac's elegance. Apple's lawsuit against Microsoft in 1988 over copyright infringement on the Mac user interface was unsuccessful due to a technicality. Neil Konzen, a key figure in Microsoft's Mac project, later led the development of a more successful Windows version. The incident highlighted the complex relationship between Apple and Microsoft during the early days of personal computing. Various comments from individuals involved shed light on different perspectives and memories of the events, showcasing the intense competition and innovation in the tech industry at the time.