Question 1

How to add custom applications to OS.js?

Accepted Answer

You can install extra packages via npm, such as @osjs/example-application, and use the package discovery command (npm run package:discover) to integrate them. Refer to the official manuals for detailed tutorials on application development and API usage.

Question 2

OS.js vs other web desktop platforms like WebOS?

Accepted Answer

OS.js is open-source and focuses on extensibility with a built-in GUI toolkit, whereas platforms like WebOS might be more proprietary or less customizable. OS.js is better for self-hosted, tailored deployments, but may have a steeper learning curve compared to some alternatives.

Question 3

Can OS.js be used for a production kiosk system?

Accepted Answer

Yes, its window manager and application APIs make it suitable for kiosks, but ensure you disable unnecessary features and optimize for performance. The demo shows it can mimic desktop environments, but real-world deployment requires testing for stability and security.

Question 4

How to customize the look and feel of OS.js?

Accepted Answer

Use the GUI toolkit and theming options described in the documentation; you can modify CSS and components through the modular architecture. However, this requires familiarity with the platform's structure and may involve significant custom development.

Question 5

What are the system requirements for running OS.js?

Accepted Answer

It requires Node v10 or later (with issues on Node 17), a modern web browser, and adequate server resources for hosting. Docker deployments ease this, but local setups need sufficient RAM and processing power for building and serving.

Question 6

How to handle user authentication in OS.js?

Accepted Answer

Authentication is not built-in by default; developers must implement it using the application APIs or integrate with external services, which adds complexity compared to platforms with pre-configured auth systems.

os.js

What is os.js?

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