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First-time Installation Guide

This guide covers the first-run setup wizard after Sulla Desktop is already downloaded and launched.

Step 1: Choose AI resource limits (Memory + CPU)​

On the first screen, you choose how much system memory and CPU Sulla can use for AI services.

  • These limits help prevent AI workloads from consuming all available machine resources.
  • For systems at minimum spec, plan for at least 8 GB RAM total on the machine.
  • If your system is near minimum spec, keep allocations conservative so your OS and other apps stay responsive.

Advanced settings on this step​

Local model (advanced)​

Local model selection is intended for advanced users.

  • Local models usually require significantly more hardware for acceptable performance.
  • For most users, a remote model provider is recommended for better quality and speed.

Kubernetes / k8s (advanced)​

You can enable Kubernetes support during setup.

  • Sulla is compatible with k8s.
  • k8s requires additional CPU and memory.
  • This is best for advanced users with larger machines.

Step 2: Enter your user profile and credentials​

Next, you will enter details such as:

  • Name
  • Email
  • Password

How this is used:

  • Your name helps personalize AI interactions.
  • Your email and password are used for account and connected feature setup, including integrations like n8n.

Step 3: Configure your remote model provider​

In this step, select a remote model provider and enter an API key.

  • This is the main required setup for AI usage.
  • You can use providers such as OpenAI or others.
  • If cost is a priority, start with Grok.

Grok quick setup​

  1. Open the xAI API Keys page directly: https://console.x.ai/team/default/api-keys
  2. Create a new API key.
  3. Copy the key into the Sulla setup wizard.
  4. Choose your Grok model and continue.

For broader provider guidance, see:

Step 4: Wait for first-run provisioning​

After configuration, Sulla completes first-run setup automatically.

  • Typical completion time is about 10 minutes or less.
  • The longest part is usually downloading required components, so total time depends on internet speed.
  • This setup is typically done only once.

On future restarts, Sulla reuses installed components and starts normally without re-running full setup.

If you need to change settings later​

All of these settings can be updated later in Preferences, including AI model settings.

If you run a Factory Reset, the first-run setup wizard will appear again.