Top 10 features Microsoft stole from Mac OS X
In the battle between Windows and Mac OS X, here's a reminder of where Apple supplied the innovation first
By John Rizzo
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Where Apple deserves the innovation credit
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1. Taskbar makeover: Dock look and feel
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2. Jump lists: Dock menus
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3. Aero Peek: Exposé
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4. File previews
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5. Gadgets: Widgets
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6. Sticky Notes: Stickies
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7. Saved searches: Smart folders
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8. Network shares automatically appearing in left sidebar
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9. RSS feeds
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10. Windows Disc Image Burner: Disk Utility
Where Apple deserves the innovation credit
Steve Jobs once said that Microsoft stole Windows from Apple, but there has been plenty of idea-snatching on both sides over the years. Windows 7 and Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard each contain features that originated in the other OS. Some features were stolen so long ago that they've become part of the computing landscape, and it's difficult to remember who invented what. Here we give credit to Apple where credit is due.
- See what Apple stole for Mac OS X from Windows in our companion slideshow.
- Read InfoWorld's reviews of Mac OS X Snow Leopard and Windows 7.
- Follow InfoWorld's ongoing coverage of Mac OS X and Windows 7.
Note: This slideshow may not be published anywhere except InfoWorld.com and MacWindows.com.







