You would have known by this image but none of these computers run Microsoft Operating system commonly known as Windows. Actually each of these CPUs run their own desktop oriented operating system. But before we get into that first let's talk about the image itself and the branding on each box.
We first see the one at the top and probably the most mainstream of all the other companies. That's the Apple Macintosh Performa 6300CD, this was Apple attempt to complete on the home desktop and an answer on Windows 95. Launched in October of 1995 the PC had the MacOS 9.1.
The second CPU is the next most recognizable brand on the computer market and that's the IBM PS2 model 30. This was launched on 1985 and was IBM first attempt at the personal desktop market. With their own OS called OS2 but only ran on newer models. The PS/2 had IBM DOS 3.3.
Next on the tower is the Silicon Graphics or SGI Challenge S. Launched in 1994 ran a 64-bit RISC processor and was aimed to be a workstation for the industry reliant on graphic acceleration and visual effects industry. It ran the Irix 5 and 6 operating system and was a derivative of UNIX.
Next one was Sun Microsystems Ultra 5, launched on January 1998. It ran the Sun Solaris 7/8/9 version. It had the UltraSparc-II processor running at 270 to 400 Mhz. It was aimed at the financial industry as well as CAD high calculation workstation and software development of Java and C++.
The last one in the tower was also from SGI and was the more robust Indigo 2. Launched in January of 1993 and priced between $20,000 to $50,000. Running a MIPS RISC 64-bit processor with extreme graphics processing for high performance and running its Irix OS at version 5.3 to 6.5.22. This was aimed at workstations for Hollywood special effect industry with signature production such as Jurassic Park and Terminator 2.
This stack of computers represents a golden era when personal and professional computing wasn't dominated by a single standard. Each of these machines, from Apple's attempt at the home market to the high-performance workstations of SGI and Sun Microsystems, was designed with a unique philosophy, dedicated hardware, and a proprietary operating system tailored to its specific needs. Although Windows eventually became the dominant standard for the mass consumer market, these systems stand as a testament to a fascinating moment in tech history where architectural diversity, 3D graphics innovation, and the sheer power of the UNIX ecosystem pushed the boundaries of modern computing.
