# VcodeR desktop alpha

Use this link as a setup prompt: https://getvcoder.com/desktop-alpha.md

Ask your coding agent: "Read https://getvcoder.com/desktop-alpha.md, set up the desktop alpha for this computer, and verify a remote edit in a disposable text file. Use normal OS consent, keep security protections enabled, and stop if a prerequisite or permission is missing."

This alpha adds screen sharing and mouse/keyboard control. The coding connector at https://getvcoder.com/install remains a separate supported route. Desktop trials passed on a Windows 11 VM and an Ubuntu 24.04 X11 desktop with a Mac Chrome controller. This is a bounded alpha, not proof for every computer, agent, headset, or user. It is not a signed Windows installer. Do not bypass SmartScreen or other security warnings; report them as setup blockers.

## Windows x64

Download https://getvcoder.com/downloads/desktop-alpha/install-windows.mjs. Compare its SHA-256 against https://getvcoder.com/downloads/desktop-alpha/SHA256SUMS, then review the script and run `node install-windows.mjs` with Node.js 22 or newer. It installs under the current user's LocalAppData, fetches the pinned official Electron runtime, verifies both downloads, and opens the host. No administrator permission, service, firewall rule, automatic capture, or unattended access is requested.

Use `--no-launch` for preparation only. Open `Start VcodeR.cmd` in the installed version directory from your desktop session. Desktop input works on the unlocked normal desktop; elevated applications and secure screens are outside this alpha. Codex is optional for desktop control and must be installed and signed in separately for coding tasks.

## Linux x86_64 with X11

Requirements: active X11 desktop, Python 3, xdotool, curl, unzip, and normal Electron runtime libraries. Ubuntu desktop systems normally have the runtime libraries; a minimal server needs them installed through its package manager. Wayland is unsupported.

Download https://getvcoder.com/downloads/desktop-alpha/install-linux.sh, verify it against the checksum manifest, and review it. Normal administrator installation is needed for the root-owned runtime and standard Electron sandbox: `sudo bash install-linux.sh --install-system`. The installer does not disable the sandbox, user namespace restrictions, or network isolation, and does not install a service. Run `/opt/vcoder-desktop-alpha/20260928-05/start.sh` as your normal X11 desktop user afterwards. If administrator consent is unavailable, stop and report that blocker.

Persistent browser trust uses the OS keyring. If no secure keyring is available, choose **Approve for this session**. Never enable plaintext credential storage to make setup pass.

## Pair and prove the connection

1. In the host, select **Entire screen** and press **Share display · Allow control**. A window is view only. Open the secure room.
2. On another computer/network, open https://vcoder.78-46-232-79.sslip.io/?desktop=1 and enter the host's room code. Approve that browser locally on the host.
3. Open a disposable editor through VcodeR, type a unique sentence, save it, and independently read the saved file on the host. Save a screenshot without the pairing code. Do not count operating a VM console as VcodeR proof.
4. Choose **Force TURN relay** before opening the room to rule out a direct local route. The host's connection status shows **TURN relay** for the selected active candidate pair.
5. Stop sharing in the host and verify further remote edits are rejected. Restart the host and repeat an edit after explicitly sharing again. No capture restarts automatically.

Record actual OS, display server, controller, permissions, saved file bytes, and every help request. A trial by an unrelated person using their own account and machine is still required for independent-user acceptance. Windows scaling/multiple displays, Wayland, other agent/OS combinations and physical Quest interaction remain separate tests.