Run a Virtual Machine in Your Browser

This guide explores modern web capabilities by running a virtual machine in a browser using WebAssembly. The project uses React.js, but the concepts can be adapted to plain HTML or other frameworks. To get started, basic HTML, JavaScript, and CSS knowledge are required, along with a web browser that supports WebAssembly and Node.js installed. The guide sets up a web app using Vite and creates a VM display using React. The V86 project is used to turn the browser into a computer emulator, and BIOS files are downloaded from the V86 repository. The virtual machine is configured to run FreeDOS and Alpine Linux, and the guide provides instructions on how to boot both operating systems. The project can be customized to add a retro computer feel by using the Modern DOS font. Once the virtual machine is running, users can try running classic DOS games, playing with Linux commands, and showing off the project to friends. The complete code for the project is available, and similar cool projects are mentioned, including JSLinux, PC.js, and Mini.WebVM.