NeXTStep 0.8

NeXTStep 0.8

Version of NeXTSTEP
Version	0.8
Codename
Preliminary name
Architecture	68k
Latest build
Release date	1988-10-12
Support end
About

NeXTStep 0.8 is the first version of NeXTStep, released in 12 October 1988.

Features

NeXTStep 0.8 is still a rather early build, however it already contains the base set of features and is mostly stable.

The boot process

NeXTSTEP always boots with verbose by default, allowing for easier debugging. It also always checks the disks at startup, with no option to turn off.

The boot process starts with the OS identifying the amount of physical memory, the SCSI controller, the Ethernet address and the display and sound addresses. After identifying, the clock time is identified. If the time has gained more than 2 days, it will prompt to check and reset the date. After, the main installation disk is checked and the ethernet and local interfaces are configured. Lastly, the NeXT services are started and the main desktop environment is launched.

Dock

NeXTSTEP introduces the idea of a "dock", with tiles that can be moved around anywhere on screen. However, the NeXT and CD parts of the dock cannot be removed, and are locked to the right part of the screen. The "black hole" tile is also a trash can, allowing for the removal of files.

The options to close the window, view the info and such are viewed on the top left, and can be moved around. The sub-menus can also be teared out and moved around individually.

Applications

NeXTSTEP includes a lot of applications, like Directory Browser or InterfaceBuilder.

Directory Browser

Directory Browser is a File Manager, which introduces the "Column" view. The view consists of folders. If a folder is opened in the 1st column, all the contents are displayed in the 2nd column, and the contents of the 2nd folder in the 3rd column and so. The current folders name is also displayed on the top, with arrows on the bottom allowing for scrolling.

Build Disk

Build Disk formats and builds the local disk. Building the optical disk takes 3 hours, the SCSI disk takes 1 hour.

Clock

Clock shows the current time in a window in the top right corner. In the Preferences menu, the Font, Display, Background color and the color of the displayed numbers can be changed.

Edit

Edit is a text editor, which can also be used as a file browser.

Example app and the interface of InterfaceBuilder

InterfaceBuilder

Interface Builder allows for an app's interface to be built, with options for Views, Windows and Menus. Views contains example buttons, textboxes, switches and options, Windows contains options to create a new individual window or panel, while Menus contains menu options.

Jot

Jot is a personal database, where personal notes can be created and stored in a "Jot Folder".

Library

The Library (also known as "The Digital Library") is an application containing instructions about the system. To search, a "target" place must be selected and a word describing the desired document must be specified. The Find button searches for the next occurrence of the query string in the current document.

Mail

Mail is the main NeXT mail reader application.

Printer

Printer is a printer utility, as well as a fax and scan utility.