Do you remember when you (or a family member) brought home your first computer? I do.
It was right around 1995 when my dad purchased a Packard Bell (when I called him to talk about this blog, he informed me that his first PC was a Commodore Vic 20). At 10 years old, this technological marvel that he brought into our home fascinated me and drew my attention right from the second it was plugged in. The main draw? Packard Bell's Navigator, an alternative shell for Windows 3.1 - specifically, Kidspace.
- Over the years, there has been a lot of music produced in the key of Star Control. Countless musicians have ben inspired and touched by the game series and have often made their own very special tributes. Here we have tried our humble best to index those artists and present their amazing works.
- 2001 Mac OS X v10.0. Villains of Star Control: Origins is coming to. 9/20/2018 Add the Star Control: Origins Original Soundtrack to your library.
Star Control Origins Releases Modding Tools And Guide Nov 1 2018 News 1 comment Star Control: Origins, the recently-released prequel entry to the long-running space exploration and combat strategy game, has released its v1.1 update which includes a free 'Multiverse' DLC that introduces the ability to create and share mods.
I spent a lot of time playing using the Navigator Kidspace and playing games like 3-D Dinosaur Adventure
that came with my dad's Packard Bell.
Just look at the GUI and the icons here! We've come quite a long way since 1995, haven't we? Today I'm going to take a look at how icons have developed and changed over the years. To start, we're going to have to jump back quite a bit before my first computer memories into a time before I was born: 1973.
Xerox Alto
The Xerox 8010 Star's icons laid the foundation for how future icons would develop.
As you can see, Calculator, Document, Folder, and Trash have barely changed!
The Xerox Alto debuted in March of 1973 and was the world's first GUI (Graphical User Interface) based computer system. With only 2,000 machines worldwide, the Alto was originally built as a research computer and wasn't available for commercial release. In 1981, the Xerox Star came out as the first consumer GUI computer. It incorporated many of the design features of the Alto and was the basis for how a lot of our computer icons developed over time.
1983 Apple Lisa
You can see that Lisa's icons aren't all that different from Xerox's, except for the size and single pixel outlines.
The 'preferences' icon, as time has gone on, has been replaced to look like a cog in most cases.
Apple's goal with the Lisa was to make navigation easier for new users. To do this, they implemented drop-down menus, folder-based directories, and movable 'Desk accessories' that were basically early widgets.
1984 Apple Macintosh
This was the first time an artist was brought in to design the icons.
Apple hired Susan Kare, who went on to do many other icon designs in the future.
Only a year later, Apple released its first Mac. The icons for this machine were clear and concise, plus they carried over certain things from their predecessors that made them instantly recognizable (notice that 'Trash' and 'file' are still very distinct). Apple's goal was to remain user-friendly and boost themselves in the commercial market.
There are a few other developments between the 1984 Mac and what's next on our list, but for brevity's sake I am going to skip over them and into 1985, when Microsoft breaks into the market.
1985 Windows 1.0x
The Windows 1.0x icons weren't all that fancy, and they didn't include color.
Not to be outdone, Microsoft released its first GUI in 1985, just two years after Apple's Lisa debuted. By the time it was released, Windows had color and all the usual GUI elements like scrollbars, window control widgets, and menus. Each application actually had its own menu bar (just below the title bar) attached to it, unlike the single menu bars on Lisa and Macintosh.
1991 Macintosh System 7
This was the first Mac OS with colors!
The icon images have changed slightly to be a little more dimensional - they appear slightly raised.
System 7 was codenamed 'Big Bang' and was introduced on May 13, 1991. It remained Mac's main OS until OS 8 in 1997, and added features like virtual memory, personal file sharing, QuickTime, QuickDraw 3D, and of course, an improved user interface.
1992 Windows 3.1
Microsoft hired Susan Kare to greatly improve the icon design for 3.0. For 3.1, she refined the colors and designs of the icons.
Windows 3.1 is my earliest memory of an OS (and of course, at the time, I didn't even know what the heck an OS was). I rarely used it as intended, however, since I spent most of my time using the Navigator 'alternative shell' that came with my dad's Packard Bell computer. Although, the icon design pictured above was still evident throughout even Navigator.
1995 Windows 95
Hooray for isometric designs! Windows 95 was a complete design overhaul and includes elements that are still part of today's designs.
Code spells for macular degeneration. The Start button made its big debut in Windows 95. The icons here have more color to them, and this version of Windows would also include updated elements for the taskbar, the menu, and of course, the famous Start button.
2001 Mac OS X v10.0
Skipping ahead a bit! According to one article I read, this Mac apparently earned the nickname 'jelly mac'
for its ultra shiny and jelly-like finish on its icons.
This is the OS style I remember most vividly, since I used mostly Macs for video editing during my college years that started in 2003.
These icons are a huge leap in design from previous Mac OSes. Mac also added the Dock, which renders the icons from either a straight forward or slightly above point of view. These icons showed reflections and textures, and were a great draw for the user.
2001 Windows XP
Don't forget about Windows! Microsoft overhauled their OS system again,
introducing a brand new OS with a saturated color palette and an illustrative look.
The icons in Windows XP use a single light source and have a semi-transparent drop shadow. Continuing with the isometric style, these icons were attention grabbing and cutting edge for the time.
2007 Mac OS X Leopard
Apple decides to up its game even further, opting for a very clean, flashy, exciting look.
Check out that 3D reflective doc! The icons sit on them and the use of chrome and glass reflections make this even more popular than before. The icons themselves are pretty much the same as they were in 2001.
2007 Windows Vista
It seems like Vista wanted to get in on the more 'reflective' look of its icons in order to keep up with Mac's innovations.
Interestingly, the icons in Vista are pretty different-looking from what Microsoft releases with Windows 7 later. The Windows 7 icons almost seem like a step back from the glossy, updated look that Vista showcases.
2009 Windows 7
I don't know about you, but I clung to Windows 7 as long as humanly possible before I finally had to switch to Windows 8.
Windows 7 re-imagines its icons almost completely differently from Windows XP. These icons are 'softer' and appear to be more glassy than their predecessors.
2012 Windows 8
I definitely did NOT love this version of Windows. If I'd known about Start8 back in college,
I'd have downloaded it immediately to avoid all of the menu headaches.
The successor to Windows 7 introduced some pretty big changes to the OS's platform and user interface. Windows 8 was meant to be touch-optimized in order to compete with mobile operating systems like Android and iOS. The Start screen presents programs on a grid of tiles; white icons on backsplashes of color. Admittedly, I like the look here, but I hated the OS as a whole.
2015 Windows 10
Windows 10 is where we're at today.
Ah, good old Windows 10. It supports universal apps and the UI was revised in order to handle transitions between mouse-oriented interface and a touchscreen-optimized interface. It also introduced the Edge browser..which, admittedly, I never use personally.
1985 Windows 1.0x
The Windows 1.0x icons weren't all that fancy, and they didn't include color.
Not to be outdone, Microsoft released its first GUI in 1985, just two years after Apple's Lisa debuted. By the time it was released, Windows had color and all the usual GUI elements like scrollbars, window control widgets, and menus. Each application actually had its own menu bar (just below the title bar) attached to it, unlike the single menu bars on Lisa and Macintosh.
1991 Macintosh System 7
This was the first Mac OS with colors!
The icon images have changed slightly to be a little more dimensional - they appear slightly raised.
System 7 was codenamed 'Big Bang' and was introduced on May 13, 1991. It remained Mac's main OS until OS 8 in 1997, and added features like virtual memory, personal file sharing, QuickTime, QuickDraw 3D, and of course, an improved user interface.
1992 Windows 3.1
Microsoft hired Susan Kare to greatly improve the icon design for 3.0. For 3.1, she refined the colors and designs of the icons.
Windows 3.1 is my earliest memory of an OS (and of course, at the time, I didn't even know what the heck an OS was). I rarely used it as intended, however, since I spent most of my time using the Navigator 'alternative shell' that came with my dad's Packard Bell computer. Although, the icon design pictured above was still evident throughout even Navigator.
1995 Windows 95
Hooray for isometric designs! Windows 95 was a complete design overhaul and includes elements that are still part of today's designs.
Code spells for macular degeneration. The Start button made its big debut in Windows 95. The icons here have more color to them, and this version of Windows would also include updated elements for the taskbar, the menu, and of course, the famous Start button.
2001 Mac OS X v10.0
Skipping ahead a bit! According to one article I read, this Mac apparently earned the nickname 'jelly mac'
for its ultra shiny and jelly-like finish on its icons.
This is the OS style I remember most vividly, since I used mostly Macs for video editing during my college years that started in 2003.
These icons are a huge leap in design from previous Mac OSes. Mac also added the Dock, which renders the icons from either a straight forward or slightly above point of view. These icons showed reflections and textures, and were a great draw for the user.
2001 Windows XP
Don't forget about Windows! Microsoft overhauled their OS system again,
introducing a brand new OS with a saturated color palette and an illustrative look.
The icons in Windows XP use a single light source and have a semi-transparent drop shadow. Continuing with the isometric style, these icons were attention grabbing and cutting edge for the time.
2007 Mac OS X Leopard
Apple decides to up its game even further, opting for a very clean, flashy, exciting look.
Check out that 3D reflective doc! The icons sit on them and the use of chrome and glass reflections make this even more popular than before. The icons themselves are pretty much the same as they were in 2001.
2007 Windows Vista
It seems like Vista wanted to get in on the more 'reflective' look of its icons in order to keep up with Mac's innovations.
Interestingly, the icons in Vista are pretty different-looking from what Microsoft releases with Windows 7 later. The Windows 7 icons almost seem like a step back from the glossy, updated look that Vista showcases.
2009 Windows 7
I don't know about you, but I clung to Windows 7 as long as humanly possible before I finally had to switch to Windows 8.
Windows 7 re-imagines its icons almost completely differently from Windows XP. These icons are 'softer' and appear to be more glassy than their predecessors.
2012 Windows 8
I definitely did NOT love this version of Windows. If I'd known about Start8 back in college,
I'd have downloaded it immediately to avoid all of the menu headaches.
The successor to Windows 7 introduced some pretty big changes to the OS's platform and user interface. Windows 8 was meant to be touch-optimized in order to compete with mobile operating systems like Android and iOS. The Start screen presents programs on a grid of tiles; white icons on backsplashes of color. Admittedly, I like the look here, but I hated the OS as a whole.
2015 Windows 10
Windows 10 is where we're at today.
Ah, good old Windows 10. It supports universal apps and the UI was revised in order to handle transitions between mouse-oriented interface and a touchscreen-optimized interface. It also introduced the Edge browser..which, admittedly, I never use personally.
The icons for Windows 10 are modern, sleek, and above all, recognizable.
Honestly, I really loved digging back through the last 40+ years of computer innovation and seeing how icons and imagery have evolved. If you're a fan of custom icons for your PC, make sure you check out IconPackager from our Object Desktop suite! You can replace the default Windows icons - lovely as they are - with cohesive and customized packages of icons that the app provides, or you can make your own! You can also change individual file type icons or recolor entire packages. I wrote a blog about it once upon a time.
IconPackager will let you build your own icon sets with the included Package Builder!
Star Control: Origins - Original Soundtrack Download For Mac Osx
Which OS has your favorite look? Did you ever use a Xerox Alto? Let me know in the comments!
Earth Rising Season Pass
Star Control: Origins is required to play.
Earth Rising is a 4-part season pass that contains new quests, ships, rewards, and story that is tied to humanity's quest for establishing themselves as a major galactic power. Explore new stars, solve newly discovered mysteries, and form relationships with new alien races and their leaders.
PART 1: AFTERMATH
Available Now
Star Control has ordered the construction of a new base in Episilon Trireme, but not every alien is happy about the idea of an expanding human empire and the base construction efforts have already encountered major trouble. Meanwhile, a suspiciously helpful group of aliens have returned and directed you toward the location of a potential new ally - a race of lazy aliens called the Gloosh. A new enemy has also appeared in the shadows, and it seems to have its own long and hostile history with humanity..
PART 2: RETURN OF THE LEXITES
Available Now
Face your most dangerous challenge yet against a post-singularity species whose motives are a mystery! The Lexites are impeding Earth's efforts to expand into known space. But, why? As the Captain of Earth's first interstellar starship, your mission is to visit new worlds and engage in combat against strange new ships while trying to unravel the mysterious plans of the post-humans who left Earth.
PART 3: THE SYNDICATE
Available Now
Humanity's alliance is fraying and their plans for expanding into the galaxy are waylaid when they are faced with a new threat and a difficult choice. Two new factions have appeared on the scene: The Syndicate, a group of criminals, pirates, and other people of low moral quality, and The Liberators, an organization of idealistic freedom fighters. Both want your allegiance, and both want to destroy each other, which leaves you with a question: where do your loyalties lie?
Star Control: Origins - Original Soundtrack Download For Mac Os
PART 4: EARTH RISES
Available Now
Humans have finally proven that they may be worthy custodians to the Spur, but they must still prove themselves to allies and enemies alike. Meanwhile, Commander Magara is missing, a faction of humanity is developing a dangerous battlecruiser, and the Mowlings' God has reluctantly returned and asked you to help save them from imminent destruction. and you've been tasked with finding him and returning him to safety. Perhaps a stop at Kapteyn's bar will give you some more information - if you can avoid getting into a brawl long enough to talk to someone, that is.
Trailers:
Earth Rising, Pt. 1 Trailer
Earth Rising, Pt. 2 Trailer
Earth Rising, Pt. 3 Trailer
Earth Rising, Pt. 4 Trailer
Screenshots:
The Reinforcements DLC
Star Control: Origins is required to play DLC.
Prepare for battle! A new wave of diverse ships has arrived, nearly doubling the number of available vessels in the Fleet Battles mode for Star Control: Origins. Everyone will find something that suits their playstyle in this free DLC.
The Multiverse DLC
Star Control: Origins is required to play DLC.
The Star Control universe is yours to shape and control with the free Multiverse DLC! You can add your own star systems, quests, characters, and much more in Star Control: Origins. You can upload and use other mods as well. Engage with infinite new stories and experiences created by you and other players!
Features:
Star Control: Origins - Original Soundtrack Download For Macbook Pro
- Play mods you've created, view downloaded mods, and browse the Steam Workshop to download or upload more
- Create your own quests, stories, and adventures with custom characters, dialogue, and more
Star Control: Origins - Original Soundtrack Download For Mac Torrent
Official Soundtrack
Add the original soundtrack for Star Control: Origins to your library today! Featuring several tracks from the popular open universe space adventure RPG, these epic songs will leave you excited and ready to explore the galaxy.
With 45 compositions from renowned composers Mason Fisher (Age of Wonders, Eye of the Beholder III: Assault on Myth Drannor) and Riku Nuottajärvi (Star Control II: The Ur-Quan Masters), the soundtrack features several energetic and emotional songs that encompass the spirit of Star Control: Origins perfectly.
From the cheerful and upbeat theme of the slimy (but friendly) Tywom, all the way to the dark and dangerous undertones of the terrifying Scryve theme, you'll experience an epic audio journey through the galaxy meeting aliens, exploring planets, fighting life or death battles, and much more.
