Workbench (AmigaOS)

Workbench was the name given to the graphical user interface (GUI) and operating system shell of the Amiga operating system. It was the primary interface for interacting with the Amiga computer, analogous to Windows Explorer on Windows, Finder on macOS, or a desktop environment on Linux.

The name "Workbench" originally referred specifically to the file manager component, but it quickly became synonymous with the entire Amiga operating system environment. It provided a visually oriented way to launch applications, manage files and directories, configure system settings, and perform other common computing tasks.

Workbench was characterized by its distinctive color scheme (typically light blue and orange in earlier versions), its multi-tasking capabilities, and its relatively compact size compared to other operating systems of the time. It supported a variety of features, including icon-based file management, windows that could be moved, resized, and layered, and a command-line interface (CLI) called AmigaDOS that could be accessed from within the Workbench environment.

Different versions of Workbench were released alongside hardware upgrades and software enhancements for the Amiga. These releases were often identified by their version numbers (e.g., Workbench 1.3, Workbench 2.0, Workbench 3.1). Each new version introduced new features, improved performance, and addressed compatibility issues.

Workbench was a key factor in the Amiga's popularity, providing a user-friendly and versatile environment that appealed to a wide range of users, from hobbyists and gamers to professionals in fields such as graphic design, video editing, and music production.