In 1976, the original little-known and short-lived Apple logo was far from modern and wasn't suited for reproduction in small sizes, but it did give one a clue about the company's creative and nonconformist nature.

It was inked by one of Apple’s three founders in a woodcut style, featuring Isaac Newton reading below a tree; in small type around the border: "Newton... 'A Mind Forever Voyaging Through Strange Seas of Thought... Alone.'"

The rainbow stripes were added in support of marketing the Apple II's then-impressive color possibilities. It was also expensive. At that time it was very difficult to print so many different colors right next to each other, seamlessly and without overlap. Separating lines were suggested, but ultimately the logo as we know it was insisted on.

Microsoft's first corporate logo (the second one shown), featured a striated O which was fondly nicknamed the "blibbet." The first one shown is for Microsoft Consumer Products; we don't know much about that one.

Circa 1982

1982–1987

1987–

IBM has a logo tradition that goes back to the late 1800s, before the company was even named IBM (those logos aren't shown).

1924–1946

1947–1956

1956–1972

1972–

But what were some of the name ideas that Tim entertained before the ubiquitous "tri-dub" was set in stone as the name for his creation? One was TIM—an acronym for "The Information Mine," which he decided was too egocentric. He also rejected "The Mesh" and "MoI" (Mine of Information).

So, for those of you who thought the "World Wide Web" was a sort of goofy title for such a distinguished technology; remember, it could have been "tim.yahoo.com" or "moi.rigneygraphics.com"!

click to enlarge

"Turn your Apple into the world's most versatile personal computer." With Microsoft?!?

Wow! Is this an alternate universe? Is it a joke ad? No, it's just a short trip back in time in the annals of computer history.

Microsoft Basic for the Apple II. The odd heavy-metal-style logo adds to the surreal experience.

Who would have thought, indeed!