NeXT facts for kids
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| Private | |
| Industry | |
| Fate | Merged into Apple |
| Successor | Apple Inc. |
| Founded | 1985 |
| Founder | Steve Jobs |
| Defunct | February 7, 1997 |
| Headquarters |
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U.S.
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Key people
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| Products | |
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Number of employees
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540 (1992) |
NeXT Inc. was an American company that made computers and software. It was started by Steve Jobs in 1985. This happened after he left Apple Inc.. Even though NeXT didn't become a huge success on its own, it was very important. It helped Steve Jobs return to Apple. Also, the main part of Apple's modern macOS operating system is based on NeXT's technology. Apple later bought NeXT for $429 million. Steve Jobs used $12 million of his own money to start NeXT. This investment eventually led him back to Apple as its CEO.
Contents
Starting NeXT Inc.
Steve Jobs founded NeXT Inc. in 1985. He started the company after leaving Apple. Jobs wanted to create powerful computers for universities and researchers. He aimed to build machines that were easy to use.
NeXT's first computer was the NeXT Computer. It was also known as "The Cube." This computer had a unique design. It was a black cube shape.
Cool Computers and Software
NeXT made several interesting products. They focused on both hardware and software. Their computers were known for being very advanced.
NeXT Computers
- NeXTcube: This was an updated version of the original NeXT Computer. It was powerful for its time.
- NeXTstation: A more affordable computer. It was designed for everyday use.
- NeXTdimension: An expansion card for NeXT computers. It added amazing graphics abilities.
Special Software
NeXT also created important software. Their main software was the NeXTSTEP operating system. An operating system is the main software that runs a computer.
- NeXTSTEP: This operating system was very advanced. It had a user-friendly look. It also made it easier for programmers to create new software.
- NeXTMail: An early email program. It could send emails with sounds and graphics.
- WebObjects: A tool for building websites. It helped create dynamic web pages.
Why NeXT Was Important
NeXT computers and software played a big role in computer history. They were used for some very important projects.
The First Web Server
A NeXT Computer was used by Tim Berners-Lee. He was a computer scientist at CERN. He used it to create the world's first web server. This server helped launch the World Wide Web.
Influence on macOS
The NeXTSTEP operating system was very important. When Apple bought NeXT, they used NeXTSTEP as a base. This technology became the core of Apple's modern macOS operating system. So, the software you use on a Mac today has roots in NeXT.
Returning to Apple
In 1997, Apple Inc. bought NeXT. Apple paid $429 million for the company. This deal brought Steve Jobs back to Apple. He eventually became Apple's CEO again. The technology from NeXT helped Apple create new products. It also helped Apple become a leading tech company.
Images for kids
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Steve Jobs, founder of NeXT
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This NeXT Computer was used by Computer Scientist Tim Berners-Lee at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) to create world's first web server.
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A NeXT monitor and a NeXTcube
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Mainboard of the NeXTcube (1990) with Motorola 68040 at the lower edge. To the right are the interfaces, to the left the system bus. In the enlarged version of the image, most chips and connectors are described.
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The NeXTSTEP operating system interface
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Entrance to NeXT's Redwood City office in 1995
See also
In Spanish: NeXT para niños
