Getting Started with Debian Time Capsule

March 4, 2026 ยท View on GitHub

Welcome to Debian Time Capsule! This guide will help you get started with your 1990s Unix desktop experience.

What is CDE?

The Common Desktop Environment (CDE) was the standard desktop for Unix workstations in the 1990s. It ran on systems like Sun Solaris, HP-UX, and IBM AIX. Debian Time Capsule recreates this experience in your modern web browser.

First Launch

When you first open Debian Time Capsule, you'll see:

  1. Desktop Background - The workspace area
  2. Front Panel - Icon bar at the bottom
  3. Top Bar - System information and clock
  4. Workspace Switcher - Four virtual desktops

The Front Panel

The Front Panel is your main control center. It contains icons for:

  • Clock - Shows current time
  • Calendar - Date and appointments
  • File Manager - Browse files
  • XEmacs - Text editor
  • Terminal Lab - Interactive terminal
  • Netscape - Web browser
  • Style Manager - Customize appearance
  • App Manager - All applications
  • Process Monitor - System processes

Opening Applications

Click any icon in the Front Panel to launch that application.

Your First 5 Minutes

1. Try the Style Manager (30 seconds)

  1. Click the Style Manager icon (palette icon)
  2. Browse through color palettes
  3. Click one to apply it
  4. Try different backdrops
  5. See your desktop transform!

2. Open XEmacs (1 minute)

  1. Click the XEmacs icon
  2. Type some text
  3. Press Ctrl+X Ctrl+S to save
  4. Enter a filename
  5. Your file is saved!

3. Explore the Terminal Lab (2 minutes)

  1. Click the Terminal Lab icon
  2. Follow the interactive lessons
  3. Learn Unix commands step by step
  4. Type commands and see results

4. Try Virtual Workspaces (1 minute)

  1. Look at the workspace switcher (four buttons)
  2. Click workspace 2
  3. Open an application
  4. Switch back to workspace 1
  5. Your first workspace is still there!

5. Browse with Netscape (30 seconds)

  1. Click the Netscape Navigator icon
  2. Explore the 1990s browser interface
  3. Visit internal pages
  4. Experience web browsing from 1994!

Essential Concepts

Windows

Every application opens in a window. Windows can be:

  • Moved - Drag the title bar
  • Resized - Drag the edges or corners
  • Minimized - Click the minimize button
  • Maximized - Click the maximize button
  • Closed - Click the X button

Workspaces

CDE has 4 virtual workspaces. Think of them as 4 separate desktops:

  • Workspace 1 - Your main workspace
  • Workspace 2 - For different tasks
  • Workspace 3 - For more tasks
  • Workspace 4 - Even more space!

Switch between them by:

  • Clicking the workspace buttons
  • Using Ctrl+Alt+1 through Ctrl+Alt+4

The Desktop

The desktop is your main work area. You can:

  • Open multiple windows
  • Arrange them however you like
  • Switch between workspaces
  • Customize the appearance

Common Tasks

Opening Files

  1. Open File Manager
  2. Navigate to your file
  3. Double-click to open

Editing Text

  1. Open XEmacs
  2. Type or edit text
  3. Save with Ctrl+X Ctrl+S

Customizing Appearance

  1. Open Style Manager
  2. Choose a color palette
  3. Select a backdrop
  4. Apply changes

Learning Unix

  1. Open Terminal Lab
  2. Follow the lessons
  3. Practice commands
  4. Complete all 22 lessons!

Keyboard Shortcuts

Learn these 5 shortcuts first:

  1. Ctrl+Alt+1-4 - Switch workspaces
  2. Alt+F4 - Close window
  3. Alt+Tab - Switch between windows
  4. Ctrl+Alt+E - Open XEmacs
  5. Ctrl+Alt+T - Open Terminal

See Keyboard Shortcuts for the complete list.

Tips for New Users

Take Your Time

Don't try to learn everything at once. Explore one application at a time.

Use the Mouse

If you're new to CDE, use the mouse. Learn keyboard shortcuts later.

Experiment

You can't break anything! Try different themes, open multiple windows, explore.

Read the Guides

Each application has its own guide:

Ask for Help

  • Press F1 for help
  • Check the documentation
  • Report issues on GitHub

Understanding the Interface

Title Bars

Every window has a title bar with:

  • Title - Application name
  • Minimize - Hide window
  • Maximize - Full screen
  • Close - Exit application

Some applications have menus:

  • Click the menu name
  • Select an option
  • Or use keyboard shortcuts

Dialogs

Dialogs are small windows that ask for input:

  • Read the message
  • Make your choice
  • Click OK or Cancel

Customization Basics

Changing Colors

  1. Open Style Manager
  2. Click "Color" section
  3. Browse palettes
  4. Click to apply

Changing Backdrops

  1. Open Style Manager
  2. Click "Backdrop" section
  3. Browse patterns
  4. Click to apply

Adjusting Fonts

  1. Open Style Manager
  2. Click "Font" section
  3. Choose size
  4. Apply changes

Productivity Tips

Use Multiple Workspaces

  • Workspace 1: Main work
  • Workspace 2: Communication
  • Workspace 3: Reference materials
  • Workspace 4: Miscellaneous

Organize Windows

  • Don't overlap windows unnecessarily
  • Use maximize for focus
  • Minimize when not in use

Learn Shortcuts

Start with 5 shortcuts, add more each week.

Save Your Work

Always save before closing:

  • XEmacs: Ctrl+X Ctrl+S
  • Other apps: Check the File menu

Troubleshooting

Window Won't Close

Press Alt+F4 or click the X button.

Can't Find an Application

Check all 4 workspaces - it might be on another one.

Desktop Looks Different

You might have changed the theme. Open Style Manager to change it back.

Keyboard Shortcut Not Working

Make sure you're pressing the right combination. See Keyboard Shortcuts.

Application Won't Open

Try closing other windows first, then try again.

Next Steps

Now that you know the basics:

  1. Explore Each Application

    • Spend 10 minutes with each app
    • Read the specific guides
    • Try all features

  2. Learn Keyboard Shortcuts

    • Start with the essential 5
    • Add 2-3 new shortcuts per week
    • Print the reference card

  3. Customize Your Desktop

    • Try all 76 color palettes
    • Browse all 168 backdrops
    • Find your favorite combination

  4. Complete Terminal Lab

    • Work through all 22 lessons
    • Practice Unix commands
    • Become a terminal pro

  5. Share Your Setup

    • Take a screenshot
    • Share on social media
    • Show friends your retro desktop

Learning Path

Week 1: Basics

  • Learn to open/close applications
  • Try all applications once
  • Learn 5 keyboard shortcuts
  • Customize your theme

Week 2: Productivity

  • Use multiple workspaces
  • Learn XEmacs basics
  • Complete 10 Terminal Lab lessons
  • Organize your workflow

Week 3: Mastery

  • Use keyboard shortcuts primarily
  • Complete all 22 Terminal Lab lessons
  • Customize everything
  • Develop your own workflow

Week 4: Expert

  • Teach someone else
  • Contribute to the project
  • Share your setup
  • Explore advanced features

Resources

Welcome to CDE!

You're now ready to explore Debian Time Capsule. Take your time, experiment, and enjoy the nostalgia!

Have questions? Check the other guides or visit our GitHub repository.