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Runtime for Users

ElastOS Runtime is a local-first computing environment that gives you a rooted personal space for chat, sharing, sites, apps, and AI.

Think of it like a building with a security desk: every app runs in its own locked room (a capsule), and it can't do anything unless it has a signed permission slip (a capability token). The security desk checks IDs, issues badges, and logs who goes where. Your data stays on your machine, and you control exactly who can access what.

Key Principles​

  • Zero ambient authority: Applications start with no permissions. Access is granted explicitly through signed, time-limited tokens.
  • Same rules for humans and AI: Both human users and AI agents go through the same permission system.
  • Local ownership: Your data lives on your machine first, shared to the network only when you choose.
  • Everything is recorded: Every action is logged in an audit trail you can inspect.

Relationship to PC2​

PC2 v1 is the current shipping product -- it works and continues to run independently. ElastOS Runtime is the next-generation security layer. At v2.0, PC2 becomes a "shell capsule" hosted by the runtime: same user experience, completely different security model underneath. See the Roadmap for the convergence timeline.

For installation and first steps, see Getting Started.