# Terminal Launcher - Setup Guide

## Quick Start (2 Options)

### Option 1: VBScript (No Python Required) ⭐ RECOMMENDED
**Fastest, simplest, most reliable**

1. Copy `TerminalLauncher.vbs` to your **Windows Desktop**
2. Double-click it
3. Enter `1`, `2`, or `3` to select terminal
4. Done!

**No dependencies. Works on any Windows system.**

---

### Option 2: Python GUI (Prettier UI)
**Requires Python 3 installed**

1. Copy both files to your **Desktop**:
   - `TerminalLauncher.py`
   - `TerminalLauncher.bat`

2. Double-click `TerminalLauncher.bat`

3. Click button to launch terminal

**Requires: Python 3.x with tkinter (usually installed by default)**

---

## Files Included

### TerminalLauncher.vbs
- **VBScript** launcher (Windows native)
- Zero dependencies
- Opens input dialog for selection
- **Recommended for simplicity**

### TerminalLauncher.py
- Python GUI with three buttons
- Prettier interface
- Requires Python 3
- Auto-closes after launching

### TerminalLauncher.bat
- Batch wrapper for Python version
- Handles path and error messages
- Double-click to run

---

## Usage

### VBScript Version
```
Double-click TerminalLauncher.vbs
→ Input dialog appears
→ Enter: 1 = WSL, 2 = PowerShell, 3 = Ubuntu
→ Terminal opens
```

### Python Version
```
Double-click TerminalLauncher.bat
→ GUI window appears with 3 buttons
→ Click button to open terminal
```

---

## What Each Option Does

| Button | Action |
|--------|--------|
| **WSL (Default)** | Opens WSL with default distro |
| **PowerShell** | Opens Windows PowerShell |
| **Ubuntu (WSL)** | Opens Ubuntu via WSL |

---

## Installation

### On Desktop (Simplest)
1. Download `TerminalLauncher.vbs` (or `.bat` + `.py`)
2. Right-click Desktop → New → Shortcut
3. Paste file path
4. Name it "Terminal Launcher"
5. Done!

### Create Windows Shortcut (Advanced)
If you want a custom icon:

```
Target: C:\full\path\to\TerminalLauncher.vbs
Start in: C:\full\path\
Icon: cmd.exe
```

Or for Python version:
```
Target: python.exe C:\full\path\to\TerminalLauncher.py
Start in: C:\full\path\
```

---

## Troubleshooting

### "Command not found: wsl"
- WSL not installed
- Solution: Run `wsl --install` in PowerShell as admin

### "Command not found: powershell"
- Very unlikely (built into Windows)
- Solution: Ensure Windows 7 or later

### Python version doesn't start
- Python not in PATH
- Solution: Run `python --version` in cmd to verify
- Or: Use VBScript version instead (no Python needed)

### Ubuntu not found
- WSL Ubuntu distro not installed
- Solution: Run `wsl --list --verbose` to see available distros
- Or: Use WSL instead, or install Ubuntu distro

---

## System Requirements

### VBScript Version
- ✅ Windows XP or later
- ✅ WSL 1/2 (for WSL option)
- ✅ PowerShell (included in Windows)

### Python Version
- ✅ Windows 7 or later
- ✅ Python 3.5+ (with tkinter)
- ✅ WSL 1/2 (for WSL option)

---

## Advanced: Create Custom Launcher

To add more environments, edit the VBScript:

```vbscript
Case "4"
    objShell.Run "cmd", 1, False  ' Add Command Prompt
```

Or edit the Python file to add more buttons.

---

## Support

If having issues:
1. Try the **VBScript version** first (no dependencies)
2. Verify WSL is installed: `wsl --version`
3. Verify PowerShell works: `powershell`
4. Check Windows is up to date

---

**Ready to use. Just download, copy to Desktop, and double-click!**