Questions people ask

Does anything go to the cloud?

No AI does. Every model runs in Ollama on your Starbase, and your conversations, memory, voiceprints, mail passwords and files stay there. What goes out is only what you ask for: a web search, a page to read, your own mail server, and downloads of models and voice files from their own projects. See Security and privacy.

What does it cost?

Nothing. Starfarer is free and open source (AGPL-3.0), and the models it uses are free to download. You need a PC to run it on: see What you need.

Do I need a graphics card?

It runs without one, slowly, on the smallest brain. An 8 GB card runs the Lite size, and 12 GB runs the full-size brain. See How big a brain.

Does the Starbase PC have to stay on?

Yes: it is the AI. When it's off or asleep, the Bridge, Satellites and Shuttles can't reach it. A PC that's on anyway (a gaming PC, a home server) is ideal.

Can I still game on it?

Yes. With Share the GPU on, Starbase only unloads models it loaded itself, and when a game holds the graphics memory the AI says so instead of taking it. See Models.

Is there a phone app?

The Bridge works in your phone's browser; add it to your home screen for an app-like icon. Trust Starbase's certificate once so it doesn't warn (Network and HTTPS).

Can the Captain read my conversations?

Not an adult's. The Captain can read the conversations of Cadets (under 18) and Guests under oversight, and every read is logged. Mail, calendar, house messages, lists, files and the Cargobay are each person's own, the Captain's included.

Can my kids use it?

Yes: anyone under 18 is a Cadet, with family-friendly answers, Lumina to start with, and only the AIs and tools the Captain allows. See Crew.

What about visitors?

At a home device, someone the AI doesn't know is a Guest: they get the Computer, family-safe, and nothing personal is shared with them. Guests can be turned off per device. See Clearance.

Does it work away from home?

The Bridge does, once the Captain sets up outside access (everyone then needs two-step sign-in). Devices can be let out one by one: see Outside the home.

Can it control my lights?

Through a tool server: Home Assistant has one built in. See Tool servers.

Can it read my email?

Yes, your own mailboxes, and only yours. It summarizes, finds and drafts; sending, forwarding and deleting are read back to you and need your PIN. See Mail.

Can it use my computer?

Only if you let it. On the Starbase PC, PC hands are given in Clearance; on your own PC, a Starship has a switch only you can turn on there. Anything that changes something needs your OK and PIN, and some things it never does.

Can I change the AI's personality?

How it is with you, yes: Rapport in the Ready Room. The Captain can make new personas, or copies of the built-in ones to change (Personas).

Can I use other models?

Any model Ollama runs. The personas use Starfarer's own brain; other jobs (Deep, Code, Vision, Reading) can each have a model of their own. See Models.

Does it work on a Mac?

The Starbase runs on Windows or Linux. A Mac can be a Starship, and any browser can open the Bridge.

How do I add features?

With Modules, from Spacedock. To write one, see Writing Modules.