First Launch
The first-run wizard appears until setup is complete. Its job is to help you connect one working model path so Row-Bot can answer a first chat message. Everything else can be configured later.
Choose A Model Path
A model is the AI system that writes responses and reasons through tasks. Row-Bot can work with several kinds of model providers:
| Path | Good For | Tradeoffs |
|---|---|---|
| Local Ollama | Privacy-focused local chats and tool use when your machine has enough resources. | Requires installing models locally. Larger models need more memory and disk space. |
| Hosted API provider | Strong models without local downloads. | Requires an API key, internet access, and provider billing. Prompt content can be sent to that provider. |
| Subscription account | Using a supported account-backed provider from inside Row-Bot. | Requires sign-in or token import and follows that provider's account terms. |
| Custom endpoint | Advanced local or self-hosted runtimes such as LM Studio, vLLM, llama.cpp, LocalAI, LiteLLM, or SGLang. | Requires endpoint details and compatible model behavior. Tool use needs enough context and function-calling support. |
For beginners, start with the provider path you already trust. If you are unsure, Ollama is the simplest local-first path, while an API provider is usually the quickest path to strong hosted models.
Setup Center
Setup Center is the place to finish or revisit optional setup after the first launch. It can guide you through models, documents, workflows, Designer, Developer, channels, accounts, MCP, plugins, Buddy, and voice. The wizard gets you started; Setup Center helps you build out the rest of your app over time.
Privacy, Cost, And Credentials
Local model runs can stay on your machine. Hosted, subscription, realtime voice, web search, account, channel, MCP, and plugin features can contact outside services when configured and used. Provider keys and account tokens should be entered only through the relevant Settings or account flow. Cost depends on the provider or service you choose.
Troubleshooting
- If the wizard cannot find a local model, start Ollama and install a model first.
- If a hosted provider connects but no models appear, refresh Providers and Models.
- If you skip optional setup, open Setup Center or Settings later.