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Even before World got Macintosh and Windows-based PCs, Xerox build Alto, the world's first personal computer developed at Xerox PARC in 1973. Alto was the first computer to use the desktop metaphor and graphical user interface (GUI).

Alto was a small minicomputer, but it could be considered a personal computer in contrast with the mainframes and other minicomputers of the era.

However, in 1973, there was no market for personal computers, this made Xerox wonder what to do with Alto. The company donated a few thousand units to various universities.

In fact, it is believed that in 1979 Steve Jobs visited Xerox PARC and saw Alto. He is said to have incorporated many of Alto's features into Apple's Lisa and Mac computers. Alto is also said to have influenced the first Sun workstations.

Later, Xerox is said to have realized its folly and began marketing Xerox Star, a graphical workstation based on technology developed for Alto. However, it was perhaps too late.

Form Indiatimes Infotech