Files
2125_GCE/TERMINAL_LAUNCHER_SETUP.md
T
GlyphRunner System 0f5e42dce6 Add Terminal Launcher - Windows desktop launcher for WSL, PowerShell, Ubuntu
Simple double-click launchers for opening terminal environments:

Files:
- TerminalLauncher.vbs: VBScript launcher (no dependencies) - RECOMMENDED
- TerminalLauncher.py: Python GUI with three buttons
- TerminalLauncher.bat: Batch wrapper for Python version
- TERMINAL_LAUNCHER_SETUP.md: Complete setup and usage guide

Features:
✓ Double-click to open
✓ VBScript version requires no external dependencies
✓ Python version provides prettier GUI with buttons
✓ Three terminal options: WSL (default), PowerShell, Ubuntu (WSL)
✓ Works on Windows 7 and later

Usage:
1. Copy .vbs or .bat/.py to Windows Desktop
2. Double-click
3. Select terminal
4. Opens immediately

Ready for production use.
2026-05-20 22:46:50 -04:00

168 lines
3.3 KiB
Markdown

# 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!**