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Christopher Drum is a software engineer and former journalist/graphic artist focused on retrocomputing and resurrecting historically significant 8/16-bit software.
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The post examines the historical impact of CP/M and dBASE II, celebrating Gary Kildall's contributions while detailing personal experiences with the software's usability and limitations.
An exploration of CAD-3D on the Atari ST, reflecting on its innovative features, user experience, and the creative challenges it presents compared to modern software.
Lotus 1-2-3 revolutionized spreadsheet software on the IBM-PC, surpassing VisiCalc with its integrated features and user-friendly design, ultimately shaping modern spreadsheet applications.
Scala, a multimedia authoring software for the Amiga, revolutionized video production with its unique features and scripting capabilities, impacting creative workflows across various platforms.
HyperCard revolutionized user interaction with computers by enabling easy creation of interactive applications, leaving a lasting impact on modern programming and web development.
VisiCalc, the first computerized spreadsheet, revolutionized data manipulation and remains relevant in 2025, showcasing its historical significance and practical applications in various fields.
Deluxe Paint on the Commodore Amiga is celebrated for its innovative features and emotional connection, contrasting its nostalgic charm with modern graphic design tools.
The post examines the challenges and limitations of expert systems, particularly through the author's experience with the XPER software on the Commodore 64, in predicting weather patterns.
An exploration of the Atari 8-bit word processor PaperClip, detailing its features, user experience, and the author's nostalgic yet critical reflections on its usability.
Using Superbase on the Commodore 64 reveals both the nostalgia and challenges of early database management, highlighting the struggle between analog and digital filing systems.
The blog explores the author's nostalgic journey with early home computers and productivity software, emphasizing their impact on personal empowerment and cultural shifts in technology.
Bank Street Writer revolutionized educational word processing with its user-friendly design, yet its impact on long-term educational practices remains questionable.
The post examines the historical development and user experience of ThinkTank outliner software, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses in capturing and organizing ideas.
The Electric Pencil, created by filmmaker Michael Shrayer, revolutionized home computing but presents significant usability challenges when used on a TRS-80 emulator.