🖥️ LifeStocks Energy Systems - Retro Computer Simulator

Experience computing like it's 1985! A nostalgic journey through retro technology with authentic BIOS boot sequences, DOS terminal emulation, and classic GUI interfaces.

🎮 What is LifeStocks Energy Systems?

Step back in time to the golden age of personal computing! This project recreates the authentic experience of booting up a vintage computer system from the 1980s-90s, complete with:

• Realistic BIOS Boot Sequence - Watch memory tests count up, hardware detection, and system initialization
• Authentic DOS Terminal - Command-line interface with period-appropriate commands
• Retro GUI Environment - Classic windowed interface reminiscent of early operating systems
• CRT Monitor Simulation - Curved screen effects and green phosphor glow

🚀 Features

✨ Current Features

• 🖥️ Authentic Boot Experience

  • Award BIOS v4.51PG simulation
  • Animated memory test (0K → 4096K)
  • Hardware detection sequences
  • Company branding and splash screens

• 💻 DOS Terminal Emulator

  • Classic green-on-black display
  • Working command prompt (C:>)
  • Built-in help system
  • Multiple DOS commands supported

• 🎨 Retro Aesthetics

  • CRT monitor frame simulation
  • Period-appropriate fonts (Courier)
  • Authentic color schemes
  • Nostalgic sound effects (planned)

📋 Available DOS Commands

help          Show available commands
dir           List files and directories  
date          Display system date and time
ver           Show system version info
cls           Clear the screen
echo <text>   Display text
type <file>   Display file contents
cd <folder>   Change directory
win           Launch graphical OS
exit          Quit the emulator
run <app>     Launch applications

🛠️ Installation

Prerequisites

• Python 3.8 or higher
• Tkinter (usually included with Python)
• PIL/Pillow for image handling

Setup

1. Clone the repository

   git clone https://github.com/joaobordignon/learnPythonGUI.git
   cd learnPythonGUI

2. Install dependencies

   pip install pillow

3. Run the simulator

   python src/main.py

🎯 Project Structure

learnPythonGUI/
├── src/
│   ├── main.py              # Main application entry point
│   ├── boot_sequence.py     # BIOS/POST boot simulation
│   ├── terminal.py          # DOS command terminal
│   ├── window_setup.py      # Main window configuration
│   └── crt_window.py        # CRT monitor frame simulation
├── assets/
│   └── images/
│       └── background/
│           └── gameBackground.png
└── README.md

🗺️ Roadmap

🔄 Phase 1: Core Terminal (✅ Complete)

• Basic boot sequence
• DOS terminal emulator
• Command processing system
• Help system implementation

🎨 Phase 2: Enhanced Experience (🚧 In Progress)

• Sound effects (startup beeps, key clicks)
• More realistic CRT effects (scanlines, curvature)
• Additional DOS commands and utilities
• File system simulation

🖱️ Phase 3: Graphical Environment (📅 Planned)

• Window manager implementation
• Desktop environment with icons
• File manager application
• Text editor application
• Simple games (Solitaire, Minesweeper)

🎮 Phase 4: Interactive Applications (📅 Future)

• Programming environment/IDE
• Retro games collection
• Network simulation tools
• System utilities and diagnostics

🌐 Phase 5: Advanced Features (💭 Vision)

• Multiple computer models to choose from
• Save/load system states
• User customizable hardware configurations
• Educational mode with explanations

🎮 How to Use

1. Start the Application

   • Run python src/main.py
   • Watch the authentic BIOS boot sequence

2. Use the DOS Terminal

   • Type help to see available commands
   • Try commands like dir, date, or ver
   • Use cls to clear the screen

3. Launch GUI Mode

   • Type win to start the graphical interface
   • Use exit to quit the application

🤝 Contributing

We welcome contributions! Whether you're interested in:

• 🐛 Bug fixes and improvements
• ✨ New features and commands
• 🎨 Visual enhancements and effects
• 📚 Documentation improvements
• 🎵 Sound effects and audio

Development Setup

1. Fork the repository
2. Create a feature branch: git checkout -b feature/amazing-feature
3. Make your changes and test thoroughly
4. Commit with descriptive messages
5. Push to your branch and create a Pull Request

📸 Screenshots

Coming soon! Screenshots of the boot sequence, terminal, and GUI environment will be added as features are completed.

🎯 Educational Value

This project serves as an excellent learning resource for:

• Python GUI Development with Tkinter
• Event-driven Programming concepts
• Retro Computing History and appreciation
• User Interface Design principles
• Software Architecture patterns

📜 License

This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.

🙏 Acknowledgments

• Inspired by classic computers from the 1980s-90s
• Award Software BIOS for reference materials
• The retro computing community for preservation efforts
• All contributors who help bring this nostalgic experience to life

💬 Contact

• Project Link: https://github.com/joaobordignon/learnPythonGUI.git
• Issues: Report bugs and request features in the GitHub Issues section
• Discussions: Join conversations in the GitHub Discussions tab

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⚡ Powered by nostalgia and green phosphor displays ⚡

Experience the magic of retro computing - one boot sequence at a time! 🖥️✨