Computers

A folk can work with no computer, on the machine that runs OpenFolks, or inside an isolated desktop. The choice is made per folk and can be changed without changing the model.

Where a folk can work

This computer: no isolation. For local apps and files you explicitly approve.
Local VM: a containerised desktop on your machine, through Docker or Podman.
Box cloud computer: a hosted remote desktop that stays on.
Self-hosted server: a hardened container reached over SSH, on infrastructure you own.

Preview and takeover

The Computer panel shows live frames while a folk works. Supported cloud desktops also offer an interactive viewer so you can take over. Starting a preview does not give OpenFolks control of your machine.

Control of your own computer

Letting a folk use your own mouse and keyboard is a separate opt-in, chosen per folk, and it stays inside the computer-use safety boundary. On macOS the system also asks for Screen Recording and Accessibility permission.

Limits

Host control is available on supported systems only. On Ubuntu it is currently switched off while an input-safety check is in place.
Local VMs need Docker or Podman installed.

Documentation

Next: Routines and webhooks