1.0 Introduction
Apple Computer, Inc. (Apple) designs, manufactures and markets personal computers and related software, services, peripherals and networking solutions. The Company also designs, develops, and markets a line of portable digital music players along with related accessories and services, including the online distribution of third-party music, audio books, music videos, short films and television shows (Company Description). Apple's products and services include the Macintosh line of desktop and notebook computers: the iPod digital music player, the Xserve G5 server and Xserve redundant array of inexpensive disks (RAID) storage products, and the Mac OS X operating system (OS). The iTunes Music Store, a portfolio of peripherals that supports and enhances the Macintosh and iPod product lines, and a variety of other services and support offerings (Company Description). It sells its products worldwide through online network. Apple owns retail stores, direct sales force, third-party wholesalers, resellers and value-added resellers.
With the release of the Apple I in 1976 by Steven Jobs and Steven Wozniak, Apple was born (Apple Computers). Apple Computer Incorporated ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II, and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh (Apple Computers). Apple played a major role in shaping the direction of technology in the late 20th century. Apple originally focused on do-it-yourself computer kits aimed at computer hobbyists, but with the introduction of the Apple II in 1977, the company became known for its powerful and easy-to-use computers. Apple now commits to its original mission - to bring the best personal computing products and support to students, educators, designers, scie ...