Meet WebDOS, a DOS-like environment that runs directly in your browser and recreates the feel of a late-1980s PC without any network dependency. The project —released by David Carrero Fernández-Baillo under the MIT License— blends classic command-line conventions with modern web runtimes, delivering a nostalgic sandbox to explore retro computing purely for fun or for teaching CLI concepts.
What WebDOS is (and isn’t)
- It is a DOS-style simulator implemented entirely on the client (HTML/CSS/JS). It boots with a fake POST/boot sequence and gives you a command interpreter with familiar verbs, resident apps, and a virtual filesystem persisted in localStorage.
- It is not a CPU/BIOS emulator or a hypervisor running real DOS binaries; behavior is modeled in JavaScript with a pixel-perfect terminal UI using bitmap fonts.
Highlights
Authentic boot + command shell
- Boot sequence with “memory tests” and localized messages.
- PROMPT and shell preferences persist; history via ↑/↓.
- Common DOS verbs:
DIR,CD,COPY,TYPE,PATH,PROMPT,CHKDSK,MEM, and more. - Wildcards, wide listings, and size-based sorting.
Localization + contextual help
- English/Spanish experience; switch with
CHANLANG. HELPoffers contextual topics — e.g.,HELP DIR,HELP WORDSTAR.
Built-in resident apps (web TSRs)
SNAKE.EXE— terminal snake with cursor/WASD and score tracking.WORDSTAR.EXE— a text-mode editor inspired by WordStar, featuring Ctrl+K chord commands (Q quit, H help, W wrap, I insert/overwrite).ASCII.EXE— a four-column ASCII table (decimal, hex, glyph, control keys).- Esc/Q exits viewers; everything flows like classic text mode.
Persistent virtual filesystem
- Retro directory layout pre-populated with sample docs and utilities.
- localStorage persistence (fully offline): your files survive across sessions.
Pixel-faithful look & feel
- Typography from VileR’s Ultimate Oldschool PC Font Pack (CC BY-SA 4.0) to deliver authentic DOS crispness.
- Tight CSS/canvas work to preserve monospace alignment and terminal palette.
Getting started (no builds, no dependencies)
- Clone or download the repo.
- Open
index.htmlin any modern browser (Chromium/Firefox tested). - Watch the virtual boot, then type at the prompt (
C:\>by default). - Use
HELPto discover commands; tryHELP WORDSTARfor the editor guide.
Note: WebDOS intentionally avoids network calls. It’s ideal for offline classes, demos, or travel.
Keyboard shortcuts & tips
- Prompt history: ↑ / ↓.
- WORDSTAR.EXE:
- Ctrl+K Q — exit.
- Ctrl+K H — help panel.
- Ctrl+K W — word wrap on/off.
- Ctrl+K I — insert vs overwrite.
- ASCII.EXE: Esc / Q to close.
- SNAKE.EXE: arrow keys / WASD; Esc/Q to quit.
Why it’s useful for educators, retro fans, and makers
- CLI pedagogy: practice navigation, wildcards, and mental pipelines without risking a real system.
- Living history: show newcomers how people worked before ubiquitous GUIs.
- Creativity: extend commands or port vintage utilities in JS without native emulation overhead.
- Offline demos: talks, hackathons, or workshops where Wi-Fi is not guaranteed.
Privacy & security by design (web-level)
- No network calls or telemetry; everything runs local.
- localStorage stores the “disk” in the user’s browser.
- MIT License: audit, fork, and reuse the code freely.
Licensing & attributions
- Source code: MIT (see
LICENSEand JS headers). - © 2025 David Carrero Fernández-Baillo — X: @carrero.
- Public communications: Creative Commons attribution; code remains MIT.
- Fonts: CC BY-SA 4.0 (VileR / int10h.org). If redistributing modified fonts, comply with the font pack’s license.
Roadmap ideas (community suggestions)
- Simple pipelines (
TYPE file | MORE, minimalFIND). - Aliases and environment variables (
SET, enhancedPATH). - “Floppy mount” — import/export the virtual FS as JSON.
- ANSI/VT: colors, frames, progress bars, ANSI art.
- More TSRs: RPN calculator, mini notepad, calendar, pseudo-text file manager.
- I18N: French/German; expanded contextual
HELP. - CRT themes: scanlines, subtle curvature, green/amber phosphor options.
Contributing: PRs welcome. By contributing, you agree to license your changes under MIT (see README).
FAQ
Do I need a server or a build step?
No. Open index.html and you’re in. It’s static assets only.
Does it work on mobile/tablets?
Yes in modern browsers, though the experience is keyboard-centric. On touch devices, use a virtual or external keyboard.
Is it a “real” MS-DOS emulator?
No. It’s a DOS-inspired simulator: commands, UI, and retro flows implemented in JS. It doesn’t run native .COM/.EXE binaries.
Can I save “real” files?
Files are stored in a virtual filesystem inside the browser (localStorage). You can copy/paste content out or add an export to JSON feature if you contribute it.
Conclusion
WebDOS 0.1 is a functional love letter to the DOS era that fits inside a single browser tab. Boot it, type HELP, and enjoy — whether you’re teaching CLI, feeling nostalgic, or just want a quick round of SNAKE while exploring a web-powered “WordStar,” it’s hard not to smile at a console that doesn’t need the internet to time-warp you back.
Repository: https://github.com/dcarrero/WebDOS — License: MIT — Fonts: CC BY-SA 4.0 (VileR, int10h.org)
Happy hacking, and enjoy the retro vibes!
