NLS (computer System) - Firsts

Firsts

All of the features of NLS were in support of Engelbart's goal of augmenting collective knowledge work and therefore focused on making the user more powerful, not simply on making the system easier to use. The features listed therefore supported a full-interaction paradigm with rich interaction possibilities for a trained user, rather than what Engelbart refers to as the WYSIAYG (What You See Is All You Get) paradigm that came later.

  • the computer mouse
  • 2-dimensional display editing
  • in-file object addressing, linking
  • hypermedia
  • outline processing
  • flexible view control
  • multiple windows
  • cross-file editing
  • integrated hypermedia email
  • hypermedia publishing
  • document version control
  • shared-screen teleconferencing
  • computer-aided meetings
  • formatting directives
  • context-sensitive help
  • distributed client-server architecture
  • uniform command syntax
  • universal "user interface" front-end module
  • multi-tool integration
  • grammar-driven command language interpreter
  • protocols for virtual terminals
  • remote procedure call protocols
  • compilable "Command Meta Language"

"Many of those firsts came right out of the staff's innovations — even had to be explained to me before I could understand them. They deserve more recognition." Douglas Engelbart.

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