WAITS

WAITS: The Mutant Cousin of TOPS-10

Introduction: Unveiling the Hidden Innovator

In the world of computer operating systems, a hidden innovator once thrived—a mutant cousin known as WAITS. Developed at the Stanford Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (SAIL) in the early 1970s, WAITS was a lesser-known system compared to its counterpart, TOPS-10. However, its impact on the computing landscape was profound. Let us embark on a journey to explore the story of WAITS, its innovative features, and its contributions to the development of modern computer systems.

In this article, we will delve into the realm of WAITS, the "West-coast Alternative to ITS," and uncover its significant influence on the computing world. Despite its limited visibility, WAITS pioneered revolutionary features, inspiring modern text editors, multi-region windowing systems, and even shaping the iconic IBM PC ALT key. Let us explore the legacy of WAITS and its contributions to the evolution of computer operating systems.

I. The Genesis of WAITS

1.1 The Birth of WAITS

WAITS, short for "West-coast Alternative to ITS", emerged from the creative minds at the Stanford Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (SAIL) in the early 1970s. It was developed as a mutant cousin of the well-known TOPS-10 operating system.

1.2 A Name Arrived Sideways

The name "WAITS" itself was born from a rather unconventional process and was not officially expanded. Nevertheless, it soon gained recognition as the acronym for its unassuming "West-coast Alternative to ITS."

1.3 The Exchange of Ideas

Despite being less visible than ITS, WAITS fostered a vibrant exchange of ideas and people between the two communities. Innovations that surfaced at WAITS had a substantial indirect influence, shaping the future of computer systems.

II. Pioneering Innovations of WAITS

2.1 Real-Time Editing System

One of WAITS's most significant contributions was its real-time editing system. This system allowed users to type text at the point of insertion or overwriting without the need to issue explicit editing commands. The invisible editing commands revolutionized the user experience, making WAITS more user-friendly than other systems of its time.

2.2 Multi-Region Windowing System

WAITS introduced a modern style of multi-region windowing system. This innovative feature allowed users to divide the screen into multiple windows, each capable of running different programs or tasks simultaneously. This pioneering concept laid the groundwork for the windowing systems that are now ubiquitous in modern computing.

2.3 Bucky Bits: A Lasting Legacy

Bucky bits, a creation of WAITS, were special characters used to control program behavior. These bits played a crucial role in implementing various features, such as the display of multiple fonts on the screen. Interestingly, the ALT key on every IBM PC is a direct legacy of WAITS's bucky bits.

2.4 Support for Multimedia Computing

In an era long before the web, WAITS stood out with its unique news-wire interface. Users had the ability to read, store, and filter AP and UPI dispatches directly from their terminals. Additionally, WAITS featured an unusual level of support for multimedia computing, allowing analog audio and video signals to be switched to programming terminals.

III. WAITS's Impact and Legacy

3.1 Influence on Modern Text Editors

WAITS's "E" editor, with its real-time editing system, played a significant role in inspiring the early screen modes of EMACS. This influence reverberates to this day, as EMACS remains one of the most popular text editors worldwide.

3.2 Shaping Modern Windowing Systems

The modern style of multi-region windowing that originated in WAITS had far-reaching consequences. This foundational concept became a cornerstone of windowing systems across different operating systems, further enhancing user productivity.

3.3 Contributions to Iconic Computing Systems

WAITS alumni at Xerox PARC and other institutions played major roles in the development of iconic computing systems, including the Xerox Star, the Macintosh, and the Sun workstations. Their collective efforts paved the way for groundbreaking technological advancements.

IV. A Farewell to the Mutant Cousin

4.1 The Discontinuation of WAITS

Despite its contributions and innovations, WAITS was discontinued in 1990. Its time on the computing stage was relatively short, but its legacy endured.

4.2 The Enduring Impact of WAITS

Though no longer in use, WAITS is remembered for its pioneering spirit and its influence on the development of computer operating systems. Its real-time editing system, multi-region windowing, and other innovations have left an indelible mark on the evolution of computing.

In conclusion, let us celebrate the mutant cousin that was WAITS—a lesser-known innovator with a profound impact on the world of computer operating systems. Its real-time editing system, multi-region windowing, and bucky bits continue to resonate in the modern computing landscape. As we look back on the legacy of WAITS, let us remember its contributions and continue to build on the spirit of innovation that it exemplified.