The computers A computer of its own.
Each agent works on a computer of its own: an ordinary computer that you own, on your connection. Here's what that means, and why you may not need to buy anything.
Why a computer of its own
Your own computer stays yours. The agent gets its own screen, its own browser and only the accounts its jobs need, and it never takes over the computer you work on. Your agent keeps running where it already does, usually your everyday computer, and uses its own computer through ibara: it works there, and you keep working here. You can watch its screen from your own computer at any time.
Start with what you have
The agent's computer runs the browser, your apps and ibara, not the AI model, so basic hardware can be enough: ibara is tested on five-year-old Celeron mini PCs. My own agents run on five computers: two old mini PCs, two office-surplus Dell OptiPlexes and a newer mini PC. I check your computers against the work before recommending anything new.
Do you need a Mac mini?
No. A new, powerful computer only helps if the work needs it, and most of this work doesn't, because the thinking happens with your agent's provider. The exception is a local model: if you want the AI to be yours too, your agent can run on one, on a computer that can handle it. If you do need a computer, I'll recommend one that suits the work.
Built for Omarchy
ibara is built for Omarchy, on both computers: the one your agent uses and the one you watch and take over from. Mac and Windows are in progress and a top priority. On a Mac or Windows? Tell me anyway, and you'll be first in line when support lands. Before an agent can reach a new computer, it needs Omarchy and a way in, at minimum SSH, then ibara and Tailscale. That first stretch is where people get stuck, and it's the part I do. Then I show you how to watch an agent, take over and stop it.
Buying new, or having them shipped
If you need a new computer, I'll say what to get and why. I can also prepare computers and ship them to you ready to plug in.
On your connection
The computers sit on your home or office connection. Websites see an ordinary computer and a real browser, not a data center. Sites keep their own rules, and your agent should follow them.
What it needs day to day
Power, your connection, and staying on and signed in. At handover I show you what to do after a power cut or a restart.