This glossary explains mates, hosts, AI accounts, work and backup types. Follow each guide link for the actual steps.

People and systems

Term	Meaning and guide
Mate / AI Agent	An AI assistant working on your host. New subscriptions default to Rose and Ada, with separate conversations and settings. See service and mates
Vi / guardian	A role a mate takes for authorised repair, not another host. Repair options depend on the situation
Host / VPS	Your dedicated cloud computer; mates on it share the host’s resources. See host status
Container	One mate’s runtime environment, managed individually but using the host’s resources
Container ID	A label such as `hm-1` or `hm-2` identifying a mate; use the displayed name for normal work
Customer account	Website account, payment, support and host entry. See interface map
Host dashboard / panel	The interface for mate work and host management, entered through the host card
Native interface	A mate’s own advanced interface. See advanced tools

AI and costs

Term	Meaning and guide
Model / LLM	The AI that understands input, produces answers and selects tools. See models
AI account	Your provider account for payment or subscription access; connecting it is separate from selecting a model. See connect AI
API key	A credential that permits AI use and can spend its associated credit; protect it like a password
Subscription authorisation	Linking a supported provider account under its subscription limits, separate from realvco billing
Token: AI usage	A unit of content processed by a model; it varies by language, content and model, rather than a fixed character count
Token: credential	Some connections use “token” for a secret access string, such as a Telegram Bot Token; this is not an AI usage unit
Main model / backups	The preferred model and available alternatives in order. See choose models
Estimated cost	A dashboard estimate from available usage and prices; actual bills or credit use come from the AI provider. See usage and costs

Term	Scope	Guide
Core state backup	One mate’s conversations, settings, persona and some credentials; excludes memories and notes. Stored on the host or downloaded. Check AI access after restore	Core state backup
Local version backup	The previous program version for a rollback, not a backup of all data	Update and roll back
Host restore point	A whole-host snapshot managed by the host provider. Restore returns to that point and affects later changes	Restore points
Data export	A download of exportable content, which may still contain sensitive information; not a complete migration or restore package	Export

See backup and restore choices if you are unsure which tool fits.

Term	Meaning and guide
CPU contention	The virtual host waiting for CPU from its physical host; read it with other resource figures. See host status
Root access	The highest host permissions, capable of affecting the whole host. See Root access
Schedule	Work run at specified times; requires an available mate and AI. See scheduled work
Report	A result saved as a report; other results may stay in chat. See reports
Waiting for input	Work needing information or a decision; available cards offer reply or close actions. See decisions
Command approval	Authorising an intended operation and its scope, separate from a work reply. See approval
Memory / notes	Saved preferences, experience and organised information. See memory and notes

terminology definition meaning glossary persona snapshot brain