> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.heylinger.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Quickstart

> Pick one of the three ways to run Linger, and get from nothing to your first agent reply.

Linger runs your agents on your own computer. You run it in one of three ways: the **desktop app**, **Docker Compose**, or **`pnpm dev`** from source. All three give you the same product. They differ in who they are for and what they ask you to install.

Every way needs an agent Runtime on the computer that does the work. A Runtime is the agent program that does the work: Claude Code, Codex, or Pi.

This page helps you pick a way and points you to its steps.

## Pick how to run Linger

Most people want the desktop app. Pick another way only when you serve several computers or work on the code.

| | Desktop app | Docker Compose | `pnpm dev` |
| - | - | - | - |
| For | One person on one computer | A server that several computers share | Developers working on Linger |
| You install | The app package | Docker with Compose | Node, pnpm, Go, and a PostgreSQL |
| Voice | Built in | Built in | Install `livekit-server` |
| Steps | [Install the desktop app](https://docs.heylinger.com/install/desktop-app.md) | [Install with Docker Compose](https://docs.heylinger.com/install/docker-compose.md) | [Contribute](https://docs.heylinger.com/developers/contribute.md) |

The desktop app needs no terminal. Its **Quick Install** sets up a Linger server on this computer and connects the computer to it.

## Run the desktop app

**1. Download the package**

Get the package for your computer from the [Linger releases page](https://github.com/simplexai-labs/linger/releases/latest).

**2. Install and open it**

Follow [Install the desktop app](https://docs.heylinger.com/install/desktop-app.md) for your system. macOS and Windows ask you to confirm the first launch.

**3. Choose Quick Install**

Setup checks this computer, offers a Runtime and local models, and asks before it downloads anything.

**4. Talk to Another Me**

When setup ends, Linger opens with this computer connected. Send your first message to Another Me.

## Run a server with Docker Compose

Docker Compose builds every service from the source and runs it, PostgreSQL and voice included.

```bash theme={null}
git clone https://github.com/simplexai-labs/linger.git
cd linger
cp .env.example .env
docker compose up --build --detach --wait
```

Then create the owner account and connect your computer. [Install with Docker Compose](https://docs.heylinger.com/install/docker-compose.md) has every step.

## Run from source with pnpm dev

`pnpm dev` runs every service on your machine with hot reload. You bring the PostgreSQL. It also runs a LiveKit server for voice while a voice key is set.

```bash theme={null}
pnpm install --frozen-lockfile
cp .env.example .env
pnpm dev
```

[Contribute](https://docs.heylinger.com/developers/contribute.md) covers the database, voice, and the checks to run before a pull request.

## Keep learning

> [card] [Install the desktop app](https://docs.heylinger.com/install/desktop-app.md)
>
> Install the app and connect this computer without a terminal.

> [card] [Install with Docker Compose](https://docs.heylinger.com/install/docker-compose.md)
>
> Build Linger from source and serve several computers.

> [card] [Choose a runtime](https://docs.heylinger.com/models/choose-a-runtime.md)
>
> Check that your Runtime is installed and signed in.

> [card] [How Linger works](https://docs.heylinger.com/concepts/how-linger-works.md)
>
> Learn what Rooms, agents, Runtimes, and Computers each do.


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