2125_GCE/TERMINAL_LAUNCHER_SETUP.md

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.

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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)

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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

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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

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What Each Option Does

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

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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\

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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

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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)

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Advanced: Create Custom Launcher

To add more environments, edit the VBScript:

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

Or edit the Python file to add more buttons.

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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

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