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web95

Created by: nicolasbadenes
6 devlogs
9h 47m 27s

I am building a fully functional, retro-styled Operating System simulator running entirely in the browser

Demo Repository
nicolasbadenes
nicolasbadenes worked on web95
1 day ago
1h 12m logged

I pushed the system’s capabilities further by implementing a working command line and polishing the visual details.

  • The Command Prompt: I built a functional Terminal. It interprets real text commands like help, date, and cls directly from the “Run…” box, giving the system a proper CLI.
  • Boot Sequence & Visuals: I updated the boot log to be historically accurate, listing real 1995 hardware. I also added a wallpaper to complete the desktop look.
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nicolasbadenes
nicolasbadenes worked on web95
1 day ago
1h 25m logged

The system now has a complete navigation flow. I focused on window management and building the most iconic feature of the 90s, the Start Menu.

  • Window State Management: I upgraded the Window Manager to handle state. Windows can now be minimized to the taskbar and restored with a click, just like a real OS. It’s not just opening and closing anymore; it’s true multitasking.
  • The Start Menu: I recreated the classic layout, including the vertical gradient banner and the specific hover effects.
  • System Integration: I connected all the pieces together. The Start button triggers the menu, and the menu items actually launch the apps I built earlier: Documents, Notepad (which now supports creating new files on the fly), and even a ‘Shut Down’ command that reboots the session.
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nicolasbadenes
nicolasbadenes worked on web95
2 days ago
1h 20m logged

I have transformed the system from a read-only viewer into a functional workspace capable of creating data.

  • File System Writing: I upgraded the VFS to support writing data, not just reading it. The system can now modify files in memory.
  • Notepad Application: I built the first real application, a fully functional text editor. It allows me to open files, edit text, and save changes back to the virtual disk.
  • App Architecture: I connected the desktop icons to the app logic. Double-clicking a text file now automatically launches Notepad with the file loaded, while clicking a folder recursively opens a directory view.
  • Taskbar Integration: I implemented true multitasking visualization. The Window Manager now syncs with the Taskbar, dynamically adding and removing buttons at the bottom of the screen as windows are opened or closed.
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nicolasbadenes
nicolasbadenes worked on web95
3 days ago
1h 33m logged

I have officially named the project Web95. Beyond the rebranding, I focused on giving the operating system a memory and a functional desktop interface.

  • Virtual File System (VFS): I built a JSON-based file system structure that simulates a real C: drive. The OS can now parse directories, read files, and handle data in memory.
  • Desktop Manager: I connected the visual interface to the VFS. The desktop now automatically renders icons based on the actual files existing in the system.
  • Interactions: I implemented the classic selection logic—clicking an icon highlights it in blue, and double-clicking triggers the window manager to open the file or folder.

No video this time. You can use your imagination to see it working. In the picture the “System” folder is selected. And then another picture with the 2 folders and file opened.

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nicolasbadenes
nicolasbadenes worked on web95
3 days ago
2h 32m logged

I have updated the system from a static boot screen to a functional GUI.

  • Window Rendering: I built a dynamic DOM renderer that uses CSS box-shadow to replicate the 3D retro look.
  • Taskbar: Added the bottom bar with a ‘Start’ button and a real-time clock.
  • Physics Engine: I wrote a custom Drag & Drop logic to track mouse movement and update window positions instantly.
  • Focus System: Implemented logic where clicking a window brings it to the front and highlights the title bar.

This time I did record a video of it.
And I also came up with the name Web95 for the project.

Another thing to clarify is that I have 4 hours and 30 minutes of work logged (HackTime shows it, and I also timed it myself), but here on hackclub.com, when I upload the vlog, it says: “This devlog will log 2h 32m of work.” And that’s 2 hours less. It’s not just a little.

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nicolasbadenes
nicolasbadenes worked on web95
4 days ago
1h 43m logged

The code currently runs a simulated BIOS boot sequence using a custom-made DOM engine. It asynchronously renders system checks text line-by-line and, once the ‘hardware’ check is complete, it triggers a state change that initializes the graphical interface. (I couldn’t record so I’m just showing the part when the check it’s completed).
For now, the system check info is hardcoded.

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