Mastodawn

Ok!

writerdeckOS has gotten a bit more attention recently because of some really cool deep dives on youtube.

ANNNNNNND I don't think I can maintain it any longer, lol!

I coded out the version 2.0 build script and it works, but I just couldnt get the install media to build out properly.

I hit a proper wall and realized that in order to troubleshoot it I would have to spend a lot more time that I don't have.

So. I'm dropping the project.

That said, I will upload the build script onto my git repo is anyone wants to fork it and continue the project.

I'll redirect the website to point to the build script.

It was fun! But I have to focus on my food projects.

#writerdeckOS

Tinker ☀️Apr 3

Ok! Initial build script for writerdeckOS v2.0 is done.

I even coded a menu to allow for easy change of default word processor / text editor.

The Terminal Edition defaults to using wordgrinder, but the follow word processors and text editors are loaded into the system and its easy to swap over to them:

- WordGrinder
- Tilde
- Word Perfect
- Joe
- Emacs
- Vi / Vim
- Nano
- Micro

And it's easy to install and run a custom app (text editor or otherwise!).

Also, I added nmtui - a Terminal User Interface for Network Manager to connect to the internet if needed (eg to install a new app or to configure synced cloud folders).

I need to run a couple more QA tests for this and then I'll start putting together the installation media. After testing that on a couple of laptops, I'll push it out officially!

#writerdeckOS #linux #permaComputing

Tinker ☀️Mar 28

Working on the next version of writerdeckOS (finally!) which replaces the default word processor of Tilde with Wordgrinder.

That said, in case someone wants to use a different word processor, I'm prepackaging it with several command line word processors and text editors such as tilde, wordgrinder, vi, vim, nano, emacs, joe, and....

Word Perfect!!!

Hahaha! Tavis Ormandy released a ported version of Word Perfect for Linux a handful of years ago.

So here's me running Word Perfect in Linux!

Word Perfect for Linux: https://github.com/taviso/wpunix/

#writerdeckOS #permaComputing

Author Help Feb 7

Robin has written a review of #WriterDeckOS, which is designed to turn an old laptop or chromebook into a distraction-free writing machine.
https://phillipsuk.org/robin/posts/2026/2026-02-03-writerdeckos/

#WriterDeck #WritersOfMastodon #WritingCommunity

@bookstodon @writingbooks

WriterDeckOS Review

I’ve been interested in the concept of writer decks for years, since I first discovered that some people use old AlphaSmart devices in that way. People who use writer decks find it helpful to write on a device with no distractions. When I’m writing my books, I refer to my sources and notes (stored on a computer) a lot. If I used a writer deck to write, I’d still need a computer close by for reference, so I don’t want a writer deck for my main writing. But I’m still fascinated by the idea. I recently discovered WriterDeckOS, and decided to try it out on an old laptop.

Robin Phillips

Author Help Feb 3

Robin tried WriterDeckOS and wrote a review on their blog.

... if you’re looking for a writer deck, an old laptop running WriterDeckOS is a good choice.

https://phillipsuk.org/robin/posts/2026/2026-02-03-writerdeckos/

#WriterDeck #WriterDeckOS @tinker

WriterDeckOS Review

I’ve been interested in the concept of writer decks for years, since I first discovered that some people use old AlphaSmart devices in that way. People who use writer decks find it helpful to write on a device with no distractions. When I’m writing my books, I refer to my sources and notes (stored on a computer) a lot. If I used a writer deck to write, I’d still need a computer close by for reference, so I don’t want a writer deck for my main writing. But I’m still fascinated by the idea. I recently discovered WriterDeckOS, and decided to try it out on an old laptop.

Robin Phillips

Show thread

Jack Nov 9, 2025

Are you writing #writerDeckOS to avoid writing? Because if so, that's next level.

Tinker ☀️Nov 9, 2025

I guess you've arrived in the Linux Distro world when someone posts a heckling thread about your distro in Hacker News.

Jeese, ya'll, if you don't like it, don't use it.

Over here minding my own business and sharing with five other people who enjoy it 😂 😭

#writerDeckOS #Linux

Tinker ☀️Nov 9, 2025

Ok. About to dive in and work on a heavy chunk of the next update for #writerdeckOS .

Wish me luck!

#FOSS #Linux #solarPunk

N-gated Hacker News Nov 8, 2025

🎩✨ Presenting the marvel of the millennium: WriterdeckOS! Transform your laptop into a glorified typewriter, because who needs the internet or apps in 2023, right? 🚀💼 Just what every writer dreams of—a $1000 distraction-free zone, with the added thrill of figuring out how to download an ISO from the Internet Archive! 📚🔍
https://writerdeckos.com #WriterdeckOS #GlorifiedTypewriter #DistractionFreeZone #CreativeWriting #TechTrends #HackerNews #ngated