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

# Quickstart

> Open Rumus, try the AI in a local terminal, then graduate to managing remote servers.

This guide takes you from a fresh install to running commands with the AI assistant — first locally, then on a remote host.

<Note>
  Don't have Rumus yet? Grab the latest build from [rumus.ai/download](https://www.rumus.ai/download), then come back here.
</Note>

## 1. Open Rumus

Launch the app. Rumus opens straight into a **local terminal tab** running your default shell (zsh on macOS, PowerShell on Windows, bash on most Linux distros). There's no setup wizard and no forced sign-in — you can start typing immediately.

Run something familiar to confirm it works:

```bash theme={null}
ls
```

## 2. Try smart autocomplete

Smart autocomplete is **on by default**. As you type, Rumus suggests context-aware completions inline. Press **→** or **Tab** to accept.

Try typing a few characters of a command you've used before, or start a `git ` and let Rumus suggest the next word. To tune or turn it off later, see **Settings → AI → Smart Autocomplete**.

## 3. Open another local shell

Want to try a different shell — or jump into WSL on Windows? Click the **chevron next to the new-tab button** at the right side of the tab bar. The dropdown lists every shell Rumus detected on your machine:

* macOS / Linux: zsh, bash, fish, sh, and any custom profiles you've added.
* Windows: PowerShell, cmd, Git Bash, plus each installed **WSL** distribution shown by name (Ubuntu, Debian, etc.).

Pick one and a new tab opens with that shell.

## 4. Talk to the AI assistant

Open the AI sidebar by clicking the **right-sidebar toggle** at the far right of the title bar (the panel-right icon).

Try a few prompts:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Explain a command" icon="message">
    *"What does `find . -mtime -7 -type f` do?"*
  </Card>

  <Card title="Run something for you" icon="play">
    *"Show me the top 5 largest files in this directory."* The agent proposes a command and asks for approval before running it.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Debug from logs" icon="bug">
    Paste an error and ask: *"What's wrong and how do I fix it?"*
  </Card>

  <Card title="Plan a multi-step task" icon="list-check">
    Hand the agent a multi-step job. It drafts a plan first, then works through it — Plan mode kicks in automatically, no toggle needed.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

By default the assistant uses Rumus's built-in models. Want to use your own Anthropic, OpenAI, or local Ollama key instead? See [Models & Providers](/docs/models/overview).

## 5. Sign in

Have a Rumus account? Sign in now. It's not required to use a local terminal, but it unlocks:

* The **built-in AI models** included with paid plans.
* **Cloud sync** of your settings, profiles, and preferences.
* **Encrypted vault sync**, so the hosts and credentials you set up next can follow you to other devices.

Click the **menu button** at the far right of the title bar and choose **Sign In**. A browser window handles the OAuth flow; come back to Rumus once you've authorized.

<Tip>
  Sign in **before** initializing your vault in the next step. Doing so binds the vault to your account so it can sync across devices.
</Tip>

## 6. Set up the vault to manage remote servers

To save SSH hosts and credentials, Rumus needs an encrypted **vault**. The first time you try to connect somewhere remote, the app walks you through creating it.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Remote Connection">
    Click the **chevron next to the new-tab button** in the tab bar and choose **Remote Connection**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Initialize the vault">
    If this is your first time, Rumus prompts you to set up a **secret key**. The key encrypts everything in the vault on your device — Rumus servers only ever see ciphertext.

    * **Create a new secret key** — Rumus generates one and downloads it as a file. Keep this file in a safe place; it's the only way to recover the vault on a new machine.
    * **Recover an existing key** — import the key file from another device.

    Optionally set a **PIN** for fast unlock so you don't re-enter the secret key every session.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Land in the host manager">
    Once the vault is ready, Rumus drops you into the host management view.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## 7. Add a remote host

In the host manager:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Click New Host">
    Hit the **New Host** button to start a new entry.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Fill in the connection details">
    * **Name** — a label for your reference (e.g. `prod-web-1`).
    * **Hostname / IP**, **Port** (default 22), **Username**.
    * **Auth** — password, an SSH key file, or a key already saved in the vault.
    * Optional: a **jump host** chain, proxy, or environment variables.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save and connect">
    Save the host, then double-click it to open a session in a new tab. Credentials never leave your device unencrypted.
  </Step>
</Steps>

For multi-hop access through a bastion, see [Jump Hosts](/docs/remote/jump-hosts).

## 8. Use the AI on the remote session

With the remote tab focused, open the AI sidebar again. The assistant now operates in the context of the remote host — it can read remote files, propose remote commands, and help you debug live.

Some prompts to try:

* *"What's eating the disk on this box? Show me the 10 largest paths under `/var`."*
* *"Tail the nginx error log and summarize the last 20 entries."*
* *"This service is failing to start. Investigate and propose a fix."*

The agent asks for approval before running anything destructive. To pre-approve safe patterns, see **Settings → AI → Command Approval**.

## You're set

You now know how to:

* Open a local terminal and use smart autocomplete.
* Switch between local shells (and WSL on Windows).
* Chat with the AI and let it run commands for you.
* (Optionally) sign in for built-in models and sync.
* Set up the vault, save remote hosts, and use the AI against them.

<Note>
  Stuck on a step? Ask in the [Rumus community](https://www.rumus.ai/community) — the team and other users are happy to help.
</Note>

## Where to go next

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Core concepts" icon="diagram-project" href="/docs/getting-started/core-concepts">
    Workspaces, the infinite canvas, profiles, and how the agent fits in.
  </Card>

  <Card title="AI assistant" icon="robot" href="/docs/ai/overview">
    Plan mode, sub-agents, MCP, command approval — the full toolbox.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Built-in models" icon="cube" href="/docs/models/built-in">
    What's included, pricing, and how to view your usage.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Migrate from another terminal" icon="right-left" href="/docs/getting-started/migrate">
    Bringing settings over from iTerm2, Warp, or Windows Terminal.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>