Virtual PC

Virtual PC is a unique syaOS application that brings the nostalgia of classic DOS computing directly to your web browser. It provides a simulated 3D PC environment, allowing users to run vintage games and applications through its integrated js-dos emulator. Experience a blast from the past with full keyboard and mouse support, all within your syaOS desktop.

Overview

The Virtual PC app transforms your syaOS desktop into a retro computing station, offering a fully functional 3D-rendered personal computer simulation. Powered by the robust js-dos emulator, it provides a seamless way to interact with DOS-based software, from iconic games to productivity tools, without needing to install anything locally. Its primary purpose is to deliver an authentic and immersive retro gaming and computing experience, making classic software accessible and enjoyable for modern users.

Users can dive into a curated selection of pre-loaded DOS games or potentially expand their library (though not explicitly covered in this document, it's an emulator capability). The app prioritizes user interaction, offering responsive controls and display options to tailor the experience. Whether you're a retro enthusiast or simply curious about early computing, Virtual PC offers a fascinating window into the past.

Features

PC Emulator: Run a wide array of classic DOS games and applications directly within your syaOS browser environment, powered by js-dos.

Keyboard Controls: Leverage your physical keyboard for authentic in-game input and navigation within the emulated DOS environment.
Mouse Capture: Seamlessly switch between controlling the syaOS desktop and the emulated PC by clicking inside the Virtual PC window to capture the mouse, and clicking again or pressing Esc to release it.
Full-Screen Mode: Toggle an immersive, full-screen display via the View menu to eliminate distractions and fully enjoy the retro experience.
Save States: Preserve your game progress or application state at any point and load it back later using the convenient File menu options.
Aspect Ratio Control: Optimize your visual experience by switching between classic 4∶3 or modern widescreen aspect ratios to best fit your monitor.

User Guide

Getting Started

To launch Virtual PC, simply click its icon in the syaOS application launcher. Once open, the app will load a default game or DOS environment, ready for interaction. Use your keyboard and mouse to navigate and play.

Key Actions

Launching Games: Upon opening, the app typically loads a pre-selected game. You can switch between available games via the File menu.

Interacting with the Emulator:
- Keyboard Input: Your physical keyboard acts as the input for the emulated PC. Type commands or play games as if you were on a real DOS machine.
- Mouse Control: Click anywhere inside the Virtual PC window to capture your mouse cursor, allowing you to use it within the emulated environment. To release the mouse and regain control of the syaOS desktop, click again or press the Escape key.
Managing Game Progress: Access the File menu to find options for Save State and Load State, allowing you to pause and resume your progress at any time.
Adjusting Display:
- Full Screen: For an uninterrupted experience, select View > Full Screen. Press Esc to exit full-screen mode.
- Aspect Ratio: In the View menu, you can toggle between 4∶3 (classic) and Widescreen to suit your preference or monitor's display.

Tips & Shortcuts

Mouse Capture Toggle: The quickest way to capture/release your mouse is to simply click inside/outside the emulator window.

Full-Screen Quick Exit: While in full-screen mode, pressing the Escape key will typically return you to windowed mode.
Performance: For the best experience, ensure your browser and system meet the recommended syaOS specifications. Closing other demanding applications might improve emulator performance.

Technical Details

Window Configuration

Default size: 645×511px
Minimum size: 645×511px
Maximum size: 645×511px

Component Architecture

The app consists of 2 component file(s):

src/apps/virtual-pc/components/PcMenuBar.tsx: Manages the application's menu bar, handling actions like opening help dialogs, managing game states, and toggling display options.

src/apps/virtual-pc/components/PcAppComponent.tsx: The main application component, responsible for rendering the Virtual PC window, managing the emulator lifecycle, and coordinating interactions between the menu bar and the js-dos instance.

Hooks & Utilities

Custom Hooks:

src/apps/virtual-pc/hooks/useJsDos.ts: A custom hook that encapsulates the logic for integrating and interacting with the js-dos emulator library, managing its lifecycle, events, and commands.

No custom utility files are directly associated with this app's core functionality.

State Management

Virtual PC manages its state using a combination of local React component state and global Zustand stores. Local useState hooks are used to manage UI-specific states such as dialog visibility (isHelpDialogOpen, isAboutDialogOpen), loading indicators (isLoading), emulator interaction states (isGameRunning, isMouseCaptured, isFullScreen), and display preferences (currentRenderAspect, mouseSensitivity). Global state management is handled by Zustand stores, specifically usePcStore for managing the list of available games and useThemeStore for integrating with syaOS theme settings.

Related Apps

Finder: While Virtual PC manages its own game files internally, the Finder could eventually be used to import or manage game ROMs and other DOS files.

Control Panels: The Control Panels app provides global preferences that impact Virtual PC, such as system-wide audio settings or display configurations.