Exploring retro productivity software of the 8/16-bit era.
No games; just work.
https://stonetools.ghost.io
Mastodon: https://mastodon.social/@stonetoolsblog
Stone Tools
🪨 PipeDream on the Acorn Archimedes 🛠️
The first ARM-based home computer, powering a bespoke OS, running software that says, "The barriers between productivity apps are a lie we tell ourselves."
#retrocomputing #pipedream #arm #acorn #archimedes #riscos
stonetools.ghost.io/pipedream-ar...
🪨 Scala Multimedia on the Commodore Amiga 🛠️
As a print guy, I had to shed many misconceptions about #multimedia on the #Amiga. I also look at the glue that made such applications even possible.
Bonus: use Scala for Twitch #streaming from an iPhone?!
stonetools.ghost.io/scala-amiga/
#retroComputing
🪨 Aldus PageMaker on the Apple Macintosh 🛠️
It wasn't the first #desktoppublishing app, but it was the first of importance. I use it to rebuild #OMNI Magazine and examine how the publishing revolution influenced the public sector.
stonetools.ghost.io/pagemaker-mac
#retroComputing #mac #pagemaker
🪨 Lotus 1-2-3 on the PC w/ #DOS 🛠️
Did you know #Lotus123 is still referenced in #Excel documentation, but not #VisiCalc? I spent time getting to know #VisiCalc's killer. When I struggled to make a chart, I called on the help of #AI. AI from 1986!
#retrocomputing
stonetools.ghost.io/lotus123-dos
🪨 dBASE on the Kaypro II 🛠️
Armed with only a blinking cursor, I build an inventory system for my failing software retail shop (just play along). I also explore #cpm add-on options for various systems, and whoops! Did I just become a #dBASE programmer?
stonetools.ghost.io/dbase-cpm
#retroComputing
Aldus PageMaker dramatically altered my life, introducing me to the world of graphic design. It's been 30+ years since I last touched it, so I gave it the once-over by building my dream project. Who do I need to convince to give me reign over OMNI Magazine?!
Bonus: comes with a free gift at the end
The tension between my interest to grow closer to this software and its constant moves to push me away was the highest I've felt yet.
I was just looking at Scala on Amiga and look how beautiful!
(Source + kudos to Stone Tools: stonetools.ghost.io/scala-amiga)
Fascinated by this @stonetoolsblog.bsky.social post - the idea of trying to implement an expert system on a *Commodore 64* is something I'd never even considered! stonetools.ghost.io/xper-c64/
A productivity suite that willfully rejects common notions on how such software should behave, on an operating system most haven't heard of, running on a processor 30 years ahead of its time.
🪨 Aldus PageMaker on the Apple Macintosh 🛠️
It wasn't the first #desktoppublishing app, but it was the first of importance. I use it to rebuild #OMNI Magazine and examine how the publishing revolution influenced the public sector.
stonetools.ghost.io/pagemaker-mac
#retroComputing #mac #pagemaker
🪨 PaperClip on the Atari 8-bits 🛠️
Believe it or not, this story about Batteries Included's beloved word processor contains ZERO jokes about #Clippy. It does take potshots at #EA, however.
stonetools.ghost.io/paperclip-at...
#RetroComputing #wordprocessing #atari8bit
Retro Viator
While resurrecting a 40-year old defunct magazine, I accidentally-on-purpose resurrect a 40-year old software rivalry.
