Top 10 features that Apple stole from Windows
In the battle between Mac OS X and Windows, here's a reminder of where Microsoft supplied the innovation first
By John Rizzo
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Where Microsoft deserves the innovation credit
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1. Finder Sidebar: Windows Navigation pane
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2. The Mac Path bar: Windows Address bar
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3. Back and Forward navigation buttons in folder windows
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4. Minimizing to document windows into app icon
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5. Screen Sharing: Remote Desktop Connection
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6. Time Machine: Backup and Restore
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7. System Preferences: Control Panel
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8. ActiveSync and Exchange 2007 support
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9. Command-Tab: Alt-Tab
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10. Terminal: Command Prompt
Where Microsoft 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 Microsoft where credit is due.
- See what Microsoft stole for Windows from Mac OS X in our companion slideshow.
- Read InfoWorld's reviews of Windows 7 and Mac OS X Snow Leopard.
- Follow InfoWorld's ongoing coverage of Windows 7 and Mac OS X.
Note: This slideshow may not be published anywhere except InfoWorld.com and MacWindows.com.







