> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.debian.com.mx/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Quickstart

> Get started with Time Capsule in 5 minutes - launch applications, customize your desktop, and master essential shortcuts

# Quickstart guide

This guide will get you productive with Time Capsule in 5 minutes. You'll learn the essential interface elements, launch your first applications, and discover the most useful keyboard shortcuts.

<Note>
  Before starting, visit [https://debian.com.mx](https://debian.com.mx) to access Time Capsule. Wait for the boot sequence to complete.
</Note>

## Understanding the interface

When Time Capsule finishes booting, you'll see four main interface elements:

### The desktop

Your main workspace area where windows and desktop icons appear. You can have multiple windows open simultaneously and arrange them however you like.

### The front panel

The iconic bottom bar containing quick-launch icons for all major applications:

* **Clock** - Current time display
* **Calendar** - Date and appointments
* **File Manager** - Browse your virtual filesystem
* **XEmacs** - Text editor with authentic Emacs keybindings
* **Terminal Lab** - Interactive Unix command learning
* **Netscape** - 1990s web browser
* **Style Manager** - Customize colors and appearance
* **App Manager** - Access all applications
* **Process Monitor** - View running processes

### The workspace switcher

Four buttons representing virtual workspaces. Each workspace is a separate desktop where you can organize different tasks. Think of them as four independent work areas.

### The top bar

Displays system information including the hostname, current workspace name, and system clock.

## Your first 5 minutes

<Steps>
  <Step title="Customize your theme (1 minute)">
    Let's start by making Time Capsule your own:

    1. Click the **Style Manager** icon in the front panel (the palette icon)
    2. Browse through the 76 color palettes
    3. Click any palette to see it applied instantly
    4. Try clicking **Backdrop** to browse 168 original XPM patterns
    5. Click different backdrops to see your desktop transform

    Popular combinations to try:

    * **Platinum** palette with **BrokenIce** backdrop (classic look)
    * **Midnight** palette with **CircuitBoards** backdrop (dark theme)
    * **Broica** palette with **Afternoon** backdrop (warm tones)

    <Tip>
      Found a theme you love? You can export it as a shareable link from Style Manager!
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Write your first file (1 minute)">
    Time Capsule includes a full-featured text editor with real Emacs keybindings:

    1. Click the **XEmacs** icon in the front panel
    2. Type some text in the editor window
    3. Press `Ctrl+X` then `Ctrl+S` to save
    4. Enter a filename like `hello.txt`
    5. Press Enter

    Your file is now saved in the virtual filesystem!

    ```text theme={null}
    Welcome to Time Capsule!
    This file is stored in IndexedDB and persists across sessions.
    ```

    <Info>
      All Emacs shortcuts work: `C-x C-s` (save), `C-k` (kill line), `C-y` (yank/paste), `C-s` (search), and more.
    </Info>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Learn Unix commands (2 minutes)">
    Terminal Lab teaches Unix through 22 interactive lessons:

    1. Click the **Terminal Lab** icon
    2. Read the first lesson instructions
    3. Type the command shown (or press Tab to autocomplete)
    4. Press Enter to execute
    5. Watch as you automatically advance to the next lesson

    Try these commands in the tutorial:

    ```bash theme={null}
    # Lesson 1: Basic navigation
    pwd
    ls
    whoami
    date
    ```

    <Tip>
      Type `free` at any time to exit tutorial mode and experiment with any Unix command. Type `tutorial` to return to guided lessons.
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Explore virtual workspaces (30 seconds)">
    CDE's killer feature is four independent workspaces:

    1. Look at the workspace switcher (four buttons labeled 1-4)
    2. Click workspace **2**
    3. Open an application like XEmacs
    4. Click workspace **1** to go back
    5. Notice your first workspace is unchanged!

    Use workspaces to organize tasks:

    * **Workspace 1** - Main work
    * **Workspace 2** - Documentation and reference
    * **Workspace 3** - Communication
    * **Workspace 4** - Testing and experiments

    <Info>
      Keyboard shortcut: `Ctrl+Alt+1` through `Ctrl+Alt+4` to switch workspaces instantly.
    </Info>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Browse the filesystem (30 seconds)">
    Time Capsule has a complete virtual filesystem:

    1. Click the **File Manager** icon
    2. Double-click folders to navigate
    3. Right-click for context menus
    4. Find the `hello.txt` file you created earlier
    5. Double-click to open it in XEmacs

    The filesystem includes:

    * `/home/user` - Your home directory
    * `/usr/share/doc` - Documentation and man pages
    * `/etc` - System configuration files
    * `/tmp` - Temporary storage
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Essential keyboard shortcuts

Learn these five shortcuts first - they'll make you dramatically more productive:

### 1. Switch workspaces

```
Ctrl+Alt+1  Switch to workspace 1
Ctrl+Alt+2  Switch to workspace 2
Ctrl+Alt+3  Switch to workspace 3
Ctrl+Alt+4  Switch to workspace 4
```

### 2. Manage windows

```
Alt+F4      Close active window
Alt+F9      Minimize window
Alt+F10     Maximize/restore window
Alt+Tab     Switch between windows
```

### 3. Launch applications

```
Ctrl+Alt+E  Open XEmacs text editor
Ctrl+Alt+T  Open Terminal Lab
Ctrl+Alt+F  Open File Manager
Ctrl+Alt+S  Open Style Manager
```

### 4. XEmacs editing

```
Ctrl+X Ctrl+S  Save file
Ctrl+X Ctrl+F  Open file
Ctrl+K         Kill (cut) line
Ctrl+Y         Yank (paste)
Ctrl+S         Search forward
```

### 5. Terminal shortcuts

```
Ctrl+L  Clear screen
Ctrl+C  Cancel current command
Ctrl+A  Move to line start
Ctrl+E  Move to line end
Tab     Auto-complete command
```

<Warning>
  Some shortcuts may conflict with your browser. For the best experience, [install Time Capsule as a PWA](/pwa-installation) to run it in standalone mode.
</Warning>

## Common tasks

### Create a new file

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open XEmacs">
    Click the XEmacs icon or press `Ctrl+Alt+E`
  </Step>

  <Step title="Type your content">
    Start typing immediately - XEmacs is ready
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save the file">
    Press `Ctrl+X` then `Ctrl+S`, enter a filename, press Enter
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Organize with folders

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open File Manager">
    Click the File Manager icon or press `Ctrl+Alt+F`
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create a folder">
    Right-click in the file list and select "New Folder"
  </Step>

  <Step title="Name your folder">
    Type a name and press Enter
  </Step>

  <Step title="Move files">
    Drag files into your new folder to organize
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Change your theme

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Style Manager">
    Click the Style Manager icon or press `Ctrl+Alt+S`
  </Step>

  <Step title="Browse palettes">
    Click through the 76 color options to find your favorite
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select a backdrop">
    Click the Backdrop section and choose from 168 patterns
  </Step>

  <Step title="Apply your changes">
    Changes apply instantly - no save button needed
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Install as PWA

<Steps>
  <Step title="Look for the icon">
    After boot completes, find the "Install PWA" icon on the desktop
  </Step>

  <Step title="Double-click to install">
    Your browser will show an installation prompt
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm installation">
    Click "Install" in your browser's dialog
  </Step>

  <Step title="Launch from apps">
    Time Capsule now appears in your app launcher as a native application
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Info>
  See the complete [PWA installation guide](/pwa-installation) for platform-specific instructions and troubleshooting.
</Info>

## Tips for new users

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Take your time exploring">
    Don't try to learn everything at once. Spend 10 minutes with each application before moving to the next. The Terminal Lab's 22 lessons are designed to be completed gradually.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Use the mouse first">
    If you're new to CDE, start with mouse interactions. Learn keyboard shortcuts after you're comfortable with the interface. Add 2-3 new shortcuts per week.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="You can't break anything">
    The virtual filesystem is isolated from your computer. Experiment freely! Delete files, try commands, customize themes - everything is safe.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Right-click for context menus">
    Context menus are everywhere in CDE. Right-click on files, folders, the desktop, window title bars - explore what's available.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Save your work regularly">
    While the filesystem persists in IndexedDB, it's good practice to save often. Use `Ctrl+X Ctrl+S` in XEmacs frequently.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Next steps

Now that you know the basics, here's how to continue your Time Capsule journey:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Complete Terminal Lab" icon="terminal">
    Work through all 22 Unix/Linux lessons to build command line proficiency
  </Card>

  <Card title="Master XEmacs" icon="keyboard">
    Learn advanced Emacs keybindings and editing techniques
  </Card>

  <Card title="Install as PWA" icon="download" href="/pwa-installation">
    Get the native app experience with offline support
  </Card>

  <Card title="Customize everything" icon="palette">
    Try all 76 palettes and 168 backdrops to create your perfect theme
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Getting help

If you get stuck:

* Press `F1` for contextual help
* Check application-specific guides in the documentation
* Visit the GitHub repository for issues and discussions
* Explore the Man Page Viewer for Unix command reference

<Tip>
  Your Time Capsule settings, files, and theme preferences are automatically saved in your browser's IndexedDB. They'll be there when you return!
</Tip>

Ready for the full experience? [Install Time Capsule as a PWA](/pwa-installation) to run it like a native desktop application.