Frequently asked questions

What is a cloud desktop for AI agents?#

A full Linux VM in the cloud that your AI agent controls directly. It sees the screen, clicks, types, browses the web, writes code, and manages files. Unlike ephemeral sandboxes, SpineOS desktops persist across sessions. Your agent's work, installed software, and files survive reboots.

How is SpineOS different from E2B or Scrapybara?#

E2B gives agents ephemeral sandboxes for code execution. They disappear when the session ends. Scrapybara focuses on browser automation. SpineOS gives agents a full persistent Linux desktop with a GUI, terminal, browser, and file system. Nothing is lost between sessions. You also get Mission Control for task management, a chat panel for real-time instructions, and a VNC viewer to watch your agent work.

How long does it take to create a desktop?#

About 2 minutes from your click to a working desktop, its agent included. Until then, the chat says "Agent starting up...", and its message box opens as soon as the agent is ready.

Is my data secure?#

Each desktop runs in its own isolated virtual machine with dedicated CPU, RAM, and disk, not shared containers. Infrastructure is hosted on dedicated servers in France (EU). API keys are encrypted at rest. All connections use TLS. No member of our team reads your files. Your conversations with an agent are stored so your history is there when you return, and data is shared only with the processors named in our Privacy Policy. See Data & Privacy for details.

Which AI agents and models work with SpineOS?#

SpineOS supports these agents:

• OpenClaw -- a general-purpose open-source agent framework. Works with any model that supports tool use or computer use via Anthropic, OpenAI, or OpenRouter.
• Claude Code -- Anthropic's coding agent.
• Hermes Agent -- Nous Research's self-improving agent.
• Codex -- OpenAI's coding agent.
• Grok -- xAI's coding agent, Grok Build.

You choose your agent type when creating a desktop. Each one runs on your own AI account or API key.

Can I use SpineOS via API?#

Yes. Everything in the dashboard is also available via REST API: creating desktops, sending chat messages, uploading files, taking screenshots, monitoring agents. Generate an API key from your workspace settings. See the API documentation for endpoints and authentication.

What software is pre-installed?#

Every desktop comes with a full graphical desktop environment, plus:

• Chrome browser
• VS Code
• Python 3 with pip
• Node.js with npm
• Your chosen AI agent
• Standard Linux dev tools (git, curl, wget, etc.)

You can install anything else via apt, snap, pip, or npm. It is a full Linux machine.

Is there a free tier?#

Yes. Every account gets one free desktop with 2 vCPU, 4 GB RAM, 20 GB disk, and up to 10 tasks per day. It runs on your own AI account or API key. No credit card required. The free tier has no time limit. Upgrade to Pro or Max when you need more desktops or resources.

Can I use my own API key?#

Yes, and it is the only way an agent runs. On any tier you connect your own Claude or ChatGPT subscription, or bring your own API key (BYOK) from Anthropic, OpenAI, or OpenRouter. The key is encrypted in our database and injected into your VM at boot. We never use it for anything other than running your agent. You keep full control over your API spend.

What happens when I stop a desktop?#

The VM shuts down gracefully. All files, installed software, and configurations are preserved on the persistent disk. When you start it again, everything is as you left it. Stopping frees compute resources but does not delete data.

Can I access my desktop via SSH?#

The main access methods are the browser-based VNC viewer and the integrated terminal, both in your dashboard. Direct SSH from your local machine is not exposed. The built-in terminal gives you a full shell with the same capabilities.

How do I upload files?#

Use the file manager in your desktop dashboard. Click the file manager icon, then drag and drop or use the upload button. Downloads work the same way. For programmatic transfers, use the REST API's file management endpoints.

What is Mission Control?#

Mission Control is the task management system for your AI agents. You create tasks with instructions, set approval gates for critical steps, and monitor progress in real-time. Your agent works autonomously but asks for approval before sensitive actions. See Mission Control Overview for details.

What is the Virtual Office?#

The Virtual Office is a 2D animated view of your workspace. When an agent is working on a task, it appears at a desk in the office in real time. It gives you an at-a-glance view of which agents are active and what they are doing across your workspace.

Can I run multiple desktops?#

Yes, depending on your plan:

• Free: 1 desktop
• Pro (EUR 49/mo): up to 3 desktops
• Max (EUR 149/mo): up to 10 desktops
• Enterprise: unlimited

Each desktop is independent with its own resources, agent, and configuration.

Do you support team workspaces?#

Yes. Workspaces let you invite team members, share desktops, and collaborate. Every account has a workspace. You can add members from your workspace settings and manage who has access to which desktops.

What is the difference between Free and Pro?#

See Plans & Pricing for the full comparison including Max and Enterprise.

How do I cancel my subscription?#

1. Go to your billing portal (profile menu > Billing).
2. Click "Cancel subscription."
3. Access continues until the end of the billing period.
4. After that, your account reverts to the Free tier.

Your data is preserved. Nothing is deleted when you cancel. See Subscription Management for details.

Is there a trial period?#

No, because the Free tier serves that purpose. You get a working desktop with no time limit and no credit card required.

What browsers are supported?#

Any modern browser with WebSocket and HTML5 Canvas support:

• Chrome / Chromium (recommended)
• Firefox
• Safari
• Edge

Chrome or Chromium-based browsers give the best VNC experience. Mobile browsers work but the viewer is designed for larger screens.

Can I install custom software on my desktop?#

Yes. It is a full virtual machine with sudo access. Install anything via:

• apt install for system packages
• snap install for snap packages
• pip install for Python libraries
• npm install for Node.js packages
• Direct binary downloads

Installed software persists across reboots.