It's been so long since the last release, I honestly have no clue what got updated.
To use CQX96, you need a shell, without a shell, the kernel will panic and say: No shell found!
You can use the shell template to create your own shell,
or download pre-made ones (if any).
Shells should have the following filename: SH.PRG
Remember: CQX96 is in active development.