The following are key events at Apple Computer, which ended a bitter rivalry with Microsoft Corporation by setting an alliance that includes a $150 million (£104 million) investment in Apple by Microsoft.
1976:
Steve Jobs sells his Volkswagen van and Stephen Wozniak sells his calculator and the two set up shop in the garage of Jobs' parents' home in Cupertino, California. Their first Apple computers feature wooden frames and appeal to hobbyists.
1977:
A.C. Markkula joins as partner and chairman and Apple introduces the more advanced Apple II that helps launch the era of desktop computers.
1980:
Apple sells stock to the public.
1983:
Riding a boom in personal computers, Apple enters the Fortune 500 and hires former Pepsi executive John Sculley as chief executive officer.
1984:
Apple introduces its Macintosh computer in an advertisement during the Superbowl. The 60-second commercial airs just once, but its image of an athletic woman bursting into a room of corporate drones and smashing an image of Big Brother crystallises Apple's message as an alternative to IBM.
1985:
In a stunning boardroom coup, Sculley ousts Jobs in an attempt to end a bitter split between those who believed in the Macintosh versus those who supported the Apple II. Apple, facing losses, sets layoffs of 1,200 employees.
1987:
Apple launches the Mac II.
1988:
Apple files lawsuit against Microsoft over the company's Windows operating system.
1991:
Apple announces it will cut 10 per cent of its 15,600 workers in a restructuring programme.
1992:
Apple loses copyright ruling in law suit against Microsoft.
1993:
Apple introduces Newton, a hand-held computer that flops, and replaces Sculley with Michael Spindler, who becomes CEO. It reports falling profits and sets layoffs of 2,500 workers, or 15 per cent of its work force.
1994:
Apple launches a new computer, the Power Macintosh, which uses a new microprocessor developed with IBM and Motorola. IBM reportedly makes a bid for Apple, but is rebuffed.
1995:
Apple launches a new line of laptop computers, but is forced to recall them after two models burst into flames. While other computer markers are cashing in on the PC craze, a shortage of components keeps Apple customers waiting. Profits keep falling though sales rise to a record $3 billion.
January 1996:
After posting a $69 million loss in the normally strong Christmas quarter, Apple sets 1,300 layoffs and its board decides to replace Spindler with director Gilbert Amelio, who had headed National Semiconductor. Apple discusses merger with Sun Microsystems, but talks break down over price.
March 1996:
Apple sets an alliance with online information giant America Online. Amelio warns investors the company will post a second-quarter loss of $700 million.
December 1996:
Apple announces plans to acquire Steve Jobs' Next Software for $400 million, reuniting the co-founder with Apple.
January 1997:
Faced with mounting losses and shrinking market share, Amelio announces another restructuring.
March 1997:
Larry Ellison, the billionaire founder of software firm Oracle, , says he is weighing making a bid for Apple. Apple hires Goldman Sachs to help fend off Ellison's bid.
April 1997:
Ellison decides against bidding for Apple.
July 1997:
Amelio resigns and Apple begins search for a new CEO. Meanwhile, Jobs assumes an expanded role, fuelling speculation he may take the helm of the troubled computer firm.
Aug. 6th, 1997:
Microsoft agrees to invest $150 million in Apple stock and develop more programmes for its Macintosh computers in a crucial sign of support for the struggling computer maker.
