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
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🪨 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
🪨 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...
🪨 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
It's no Toaster, but it doesn't need to be to hold its own. Possibly one of the most impressive cover disk giveaways in history?
stonetools.ghost.io
While resurrecting a 40-year old defunct magazine, I accidentally-on-purpose resurrect a 40-year old software rivalry.
I’m enjoying reading @christopherdrum.bsky.social deep dive into vintage productivity software at stonetools.ghost.io
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/
VisiCalc started it, but 1-2-3 finished it. "It" being the discussion of what a spreadsheet can be, and also VisiCalc itself.
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
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.
Christopher Drum
While resurrecting a 40-year old defunct magazine, I accidentally-on-purpose resurrect a 40-year old software rivalry.
🪨 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
Stone Tools
stonetools.ghost.io
Imagine an oven bakes gorgeous cakes, but gives random, severe burns. "When do the burns outweigh the beauty?" is posed by this cute word processor
