3db5c73 · urbit.org · git.iko.soy

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UU Copy mostly finalized (needs a link audit) + basic bottom CTA on all pages

3db5c73é7 years ago

content/understanding-urbit/history-people.md+17−14

compare with master

unifiedsplit

@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@

1+++

2−title = "History, People"

2+title = "People + History"

3description = "Where we've been and were we are now"

4weight = 5

5[extra]

@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ hide_previous_title = "true"

9image = "https://media.urbit.org/site/understanding-urbit/project-history/project-status-landscape-earth%402x.png"

10+++

12−So who builds this thing? Where does it come from?

12+So who builds this thing? Where does it come from? What’s the history?

14Today, Urbit is built and maintained by two companies, a community of contributors and core developers, infrastructure (star) operators, and governance (galaxy) node owners.

@@ -17,27 +17,27 @@ Let’s talk first about these individual groups within the Urbit community, the

18![](https://media.urbit.org/site/understanding-urbit/your-last-computer/your-last-computer-waves%402x.png)

20−There are currently two independent companies that work on building Urbit full-time: [Tlon]() and [urbit.live]().

20+There are currently two independent companies that work on building Urbit full-time: [Tlon](https://tlon.io/) and [urbit.live](https://urbit.live/).

22−Tlon has been around since 2013 or so, and is primarily focussed on the development of Urbit OS and its user experience. Urbit.live was started in 2018 to make the onramp into Urbit as easy as possible.

22+Tlon has been around since 2013 or so, and is primarily focussed on the development of Urbit OS and its user experience. Urbit.live was started in 2018 to make the onramp into Urbit as easy as possible. Both companies contribute regularly to the code base.

24−Tlon was originally granted about half of the Urbit ID address space, and has used that to fund its operations so far. Over time, Tlon plans to offer hosting and services to make using Urbit as easy as possible. Both companies contribute regularly to the code base.

24+Tlon was originally granted about half of the Urbit ID address space, and has used that to fund its operations so far. Over time, Tlon plans to offer hosting and services to make using Urbit as easy as possible.

26Tlon is also working to set up an urbit.org foundation. This is still in process, and is expected to happen in 2020.

28Urbit.live started selling Urbit IDs very early once that became possible, and also plans to offer services within the Urbit ecosystem.

30−The community of contributors and core developers can primarily be found on Urbit itself, in `~dopzod/urbit-help`, the [urbit-dev mailing list]() and on [GitHub]().

30+The community of contributors and core developers has been steadily contributing to the code base since before Tlon existed, and they’re still going strong. They can primarily be found on Urbit itself, in `~dopzod/urbit-help`, the [urbit-dev mailing list](https://urbit.us11.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=972a03db9e0c6c25bb58de8c8&id=be143888d2) and on [GitHub](https://github.com/urbit/urbit/issues).

32When the Urbit ID address space went on-chain in early 2019 there were about 2,000 star holders and 70 galaxy holders – that number has since grown steadily. For the most part, the best way to connect with them is through Urbit itself.

34![](https://media.urbit.org/site/understanding-urbit/your-last-computer/your-last-computer-waves%402x.png)

36−Given how new and unusual Urbit is, it attracts a wide variety of interesting people — both technical and non-technical. The community is generally happy to talk to people about what Urbit is, what we’re up to, and where we’re going. The best way to get involved is to simply join `~dopzod/urbit-help` — which our [setup instructions]() can help you do.

36+Given how new and unusual Urbit is, it attracts a wide variety of interesting people — both technical and non-technical. The community is generally happy to talk to people about what Urbit is, what we’re up to, and where we’re going. The best way to get involved is to simply join `~dopzod/urbit-help` — which our [setup instructions](/using/operations/using-your-ship/) can help you do.

38−For those interested in contributing there are some simple instructions on [GitHub](), but we also run a [grants program]() where we reward contributors with Urbit ID address space. Grants aren’t solely for pre-determined projects, either. If you have something you’d like to propose, we’d love to hear from you.

38+For those interested in contributing there are some simple instructions on [GitHub](https://github.com/urbit/urbit/blob/master/CONTRIBUTING.md#contributing-to-urbit), but we also run a [grants program](https://grants.urbit.org/) where we reward contributors with Urbit ID address space. Grants aren’t solely for pre-determined projects, either. If you have something you’d like to propose, we’d love to hear from you.

40−We also run a bi-monthly course called ‘Hoon School’ to teach people about the system. Hoon School is designed for anyone with the most basic technical skills — you don’t have to be an expert programmer. If you’re interested, you should [apply](). We accept everyone we can and only close the class when it gets too big.

40+We also run a bi-monthly course called ‘Hoon School’ to teach people about the system. Hoon School is designed for anyone with the most basic technical skills — you don’t have to be an expert programmer. If you’re interested, you should [apply](community/hoonschool). We accept everyone we can and only close the class when it gets too big.

42![](https://media.urbit.org/site/understanding-urbit/your-last-computer/your-last-computer-waves%402x.png)

@@ -81,15 +81,16 @@ Tlon spends the year stabilizing Arvo and building OS 1.

82Building Urbit is about building a future where technology doesn’t control us. Instead, we look forward to a future where technology is simpler, more reliable and less invasive.

84−Keep in touch while we make build this vision into reality by [joining our mailing list]() or following us on [twitter/urbit]() or [github/urbit]().

84+Keep in touch while we make build this vision into reality by [joining our mailing list](https://urbit.us11.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=972a03db9e0c6c25bb58de8c8&id=be143888d2) or following us on [twitter/urbit](https://twitter.com/urbit) or [github/urbit](https://github.com/urbit).

86−If you’re somewhat technical and you’d like to help and contribute, [install urbit]() and consider [applying for a grant]().

86+If you’re somewhat technical and you’d like to help and contribute, [install urbit](/using/install) and consider [applying for a grant](https://grants.urbit.org/s).

88−If you’re interested in homesteading a community when OS 1 comes out, [apply here]().

88+If you’re interested in homesteading a community when OS 1 comes out, [apply here](community/community-grants).

90−Or if you’re curious to try hoon school, [let us know]().

90+Or if you’re curious to try hoon school, [let us know](/community/hoonschool).

92<iframe name="nothing" style="display:none;"></iframe>

93+<p class="mt5">If you’d like to follow our progress, we send monthly updates via email:</p>

93<form

94<form

94action="https://urbit.us11.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=972a03db9e0c6c25bb58de8c8&amp;id=be143888d2"

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95method="post"

96method="post"

@@ -117,6 +118,8 @@ novalidate>

117 </button>

118 </button>

118 </div>

119 </div>

119</div>

120</div>

121+</form>

120

122

121You can also follow us on [Twitter](https://twitter.com/urbit) or [GitHub](https://github.com/urbit).

123You can also follow us on [Twitter](https://twitter.com/urbit) or [GitHub](https://github.com/urbit).

122−</form>

124+

125+Or, preferably, on Urbit itself in `~dopzod/urbit-help`

content/understanding-urbit/roadmap.md+42−7

@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ hide_previous_title = "true"

11Today, we call Urbit an ‘OS 0’. It’s an evolving open source project with a live network. In 2020, we’re planning to ship OS 1 — the first minimal but complete release of Urbit.

13−As we discussed in the [last post](), we see Urbit’s primary advantage as bringing together groups to share a set of modules for communication and collaboration. As Urbit matures, the set of available modules grows and expands, and the system both stabilizes and becomes more secure.

13+As we discussed in the [last post](/understanding-urbit/urbitos1-osn), we see Urbit’s primary advantage as bringing together groups to share a set of modules for communication and collaboration. As Urbit matures, the set of available modules grows and expands, and the system both stabilizes and becomes more secure.

15Let’s walk through the sequence of milestones we have planned for 2020 and 2021.

@@ -19,9 +19,9 @@ Let’s walk through the sequence of milestones we have planned for 2020 and 202

19OS 0

202019

22−Today, Urbit OS is an evolving prototype. Brave explorers, open-minded systems software nerds and those who want the future to arrive as fast as possible should [install Urbit](), [check it out](), and potentially [enroll in Hoon School]().

22+Today, Urbit OS is an evolving prototype. Brave explorers, open-minded systems software nerds and those who want the future to arrive as fast as possible should [install Urbit](/using/install), [check it out](https://urbit.org/using/operations/), and potentially [enroll in Hoon School](/community/hoonschool).

24−Urbit has evolved a lot during OS 0. We deployed the Urbit ID system to Ethereum and made huge strides toward the stability of Urbit OS (detailed [here]()). OS 0 has been all about refining our interface goals and making sure our system works as well as possible.

24+Urbit has evolved a lot during OS 0. We deployed the Urbit ID system to Ethereum and made huge strides toward the stability of Urbit OS (detailed [here](/blog/stable-arvo)). OS 0 has been all about refining our interface goals and making sure our system works as well as possible.

26Urbit is a community project, and the community hangs out on OS 0 to communicate and coordinate about developing the system. Come join us if you’d like to help, or just want to follow along as the system progresses.

@@ -30,17 +30,17 @@ Urbit is a community project, and the community hangs out on OS 0 to communicate

30OS 1

31Q1 2020

33−OS 1 is the first minimal but complete release of Urbit. We think of it as the [Nokia 3310]() of cloud computers.

33+OS 1 is the first minimal but complete release of Urbit. We think of it as the [Nokia 3310](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nokia_3310) of cloud computers.

35OS 1 is a simple system to publish notes, chat and share links with groups of friends all in one place. OS 1 is stripped down, but open for anyone to extend and build on top of. It’s easy to onboard a group of friends into OS 1 via email and there will be hosting available to select groups.

37OS 1 is aimed first and foremost at communities looking to homestead a new platform they can truly make their own. We’ve been using Urbit ourselves over the years, and OS 1 is what we’ve been looking forward to using for our own daily communication and collaboration.

39−While we’re excited about what OS 1 is, there are also plenty of things that it isn’t. OS 1 doesn’t have an exceptional notification system, it still lives in a browser, and it lacks great tooling for distributing new modules. While we aren’t inventing any new cryptography, Urbit also hasn’t been audited, so we aren’t calling it secure just yet.

39+While we’re excited about what OS 1 is, there are also plenty of gaps. For example, OS 1 doesn’t have an exceptional notification system, it still lives in a browser, and it lacks great tooling for distributing new modules. While we aren’t inventing any new cryptography, Urbit also hasn’t been audited, so we aren’t calling it secure just yet.

41If OS 0 is for explorers, OS 1 is for tinkerers. More like car camping than backpacking.

43−Tlon is also planning to provide free hosting to a limited number of groups who want to homestead the system. (Although you can always host Urbit yourself, of course.) If you’re interested in trying OS 1 with your group of friends, [let us know]().

43+Tlon is also planning to provide free hosting to a limited number of groups who want to homestead the system. (Although you can always host Urbit yourself, of course.) If you’re interested in trying OS 1 with your group of friends, [let us know](community/community-grants).

45OS 2 is where Urbit gets easier for a broader audience to try out.

@@ -75,4 +75,39 @@ OS 3 is ready for a small law firm, or an extended family, or the crypto syndica

76Where will Urbit be in 2022 or 2023? We can’t be sure exactly. We do have our eyes set on 2030 — when Urbit should be the primary platform for people to communicate and collaborate. We think our next steps are clear and we’re on the right path.

78−By this point you might be wondering, who built this thing? Where did it come from? That’s next.

78+By this point you might be wondering, who built this thing? Where did it come from? That’s next.

79+

80+<iframe name="nothing" style="display:none;"></iframe>

81+<p class="mt5">If you’d like to follow our progress, we send monthly updates via email:</p>

82+<form

83+action="https://urbit.us11.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=972a03db9e0c6c25bb58de8c8&amp;id=be143888d2"

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95+ name="EMAIL"

96+ id="mce-EMAIL"

97+ placeholder="your@email.com"/>

98+ <button

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104+ onclick="_paq.push(['trackEvent', 'Mailing List', 'Subscribe'])">

105+ <span class="fr pr1">-></span>

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110+

111+You can also follow us on [Twitter](https://twitter.com/urbit) or [GitHub](https://github.com/urbit).

112+

113+Or, preferably, on Urbit itself in `~dopzod/urbit-help`

content/understanding-urbit/urbit-id.md+51−16

@@ -9,27 +9,27 @@ hide_previous_title = "true"

9image = "https://media.urbit.org/site/understanding-urbit/urbit-id/urbit-id-cards%402x.png"

10+++

12−Even assuming if Urbit OS is simple enough for an ordinary user to own and operate, how do they log in? How do people identify one another on this new network? When people want to get data, files and messages to one another, how do they do it? And how do you prevent spam?

12+Assuming Urbit OS is simple enough for an ordinary user to own and operate, how do they log in? How do people identify one another on this new network? When people want to get data, files and messages to one another, how do they do it? And how do we prevent spam?

14Urbit ID is the answer to all these questions. Urbit ID is a decentralized addressing and public key infrastructure designed for Urbit OS.

16−Let’s talk first about what an Urbit ID is and does. Then we’ll cover its design goals and how the system works overall.

16+Let’s talk first about what an Urbit ID is and what it does. Then we’ll cover our design goals and how the system works overall.

18![](https://media.urbit.org/site/understanding-urbit/your-last-computer/your-last-computer-waves%402x.png)

20−Your Urbit ID is a short, four-syllable name like `~ravmel-ropdyl` that you own with an eight-syllable master passkey like `~palfun-foslup-fallyn-balfus`. This name and key lets you log into Urbit OS, and it’s used to encrypt packets you send over the Urbit network. Soon it will also be the master key for a keychain that allows holding and sending of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Your Urbit ID and passkey belong to you like any other cryptographic assets. No one can take them away from you — just make sure to store the key safely.

20+Your Urbit ID is a short, four-syllable name like `~ravmel-ropdyl` that you own with an eight-syllable master passkey like `~palfun-foslup-fallyn-balfus`. This name and key lets you log into Urbit OS, and it’s used to encrypt packets you send over the Urbit network. Soon it will also be a master key that allows holding and sending of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Your Urbit ID and passkey belong to you like any other cryptographic assets. No one can take them away from you (just make sure to store the key safely).

22−The Urbit ID registry is live and deployed to the Ethereum blockchain. Urbit ID isn’t specifically wedded to Ethereum – someday we’d like it to be hosted by Urbit OS itself. Also, Urbit ID is the only component of the stack using Ethereum – your Urbit OS node is hosted wherever you choose. Anyway, the Urbit ID registry keeps track of who owns what, which keys are associated with which names, and enforces the rules of address distribution. We’ll get into the details a bit more below.

22+The Urbit ID registry is live and deployed to the Ethereum blockchain. Urbit ID isn’t specifically wedded to Ethereum – someday we’d like it to be hosted by Urbit OS itself. Also, Urbit ID is the only component of the stack using Ethereum – your Urbit OS node is hosted wherever you choose. The primary function of the Urbit ID registry is to keep track of who owns what, to specify which keys are associated with which names, and to enforce the rules of address distribution. We’ll get into the details a bit more below.

24First, let’s talk about Urbit ID’s implementation and design goals, then about where we envision it going in the future.

26−If you’re curious to see exactly how this system works, the code is of course [open source](). Including the source for our [phonemic naming system]() and the [visual representations](). There’s even a [Figma plugin]() for using them. There’s also an interface for interacting with Urbit ID whose source is [open too]().

26+If you’re curious to see exactly how this system works, the code is of course [open source](https://github.com/urbit/urbit). Including the source for our [phonemic naming system]() and the [visual representations](https://github.com/urbit/sigil-js). There’s even a [Figma plugin](https://github.com/urbit/sigil-figma-plugin) for using them. There’s also an interface for interacting with Urbit ID whose source is [open too](https://github.com/urbit/bridge).

28−Since the Urbit ID registry is live and deployed you can even [look at the chain]().

28+Since the Urbit ID registry is live and deployed you can even [look at the chain](https://github.com/urbit/azimuth#live-contracts).

30![](https://media.urbit.org/site/understanding-urbit/your-last-computer/your-last-computer-waves%402x.png)

32−Each Urbit ID is really just a number. From that number we generate a pronounceable name and a visually identifiable sigil. ~dalwel-fadrun is 3,509,632,436, for example.

32+Each Urbit ID is really just a number. From that number we generate a pronounceable name and a visually identifiable sigil. `~dalwel-fadrun` is `3,509,632,436`, for example.

34Urbit IDs are distributed by a sponsorship tree. At the top of the tree are 2^8 (256) galaxies. Each galaxy issues 2^8 stars, making a total of 2^16 (65K). Stars then each can issue 2^16 planets, making for 2^32 (~4B). As you might expect, each planet issues 2^32 moons.

@@ -41,28 +41,63 @@ And that's it. It's a simple system. What's important is why it is the way it is

42At a high level, there are three important things to understand about the overall Urbit ID system design.

44−First, scarcity: there are only 2^32 (~4B) Urbit IDs, so they cost something. Since they cost something, people are less likely to use them to spam or abuse the network. And, when you meet a stranger with an Urbit ID, you know they have some skin in the game (even without leaking personal data in either direction). Each Urbit ID is purely pseudonymous. `~dalwel-fadrun`, for example, is only proof of some stake in the network.

44+First, scarcity: there are only 2^32 (~4B) Urbit IDs, so they cost something. Since they cost something, people are less likely to use them to spam or abuse the network. When you meet a stranger with an Urbit ID, you know they have some skin in the game (even without leaking personal data in either direction). That said, each Urbit ID is purely pseudonymous, so `~dalwel-fadrun` for example, is proof of some stake in the network, but not much more.

46−Second, decentralization: Urbit IDs are distributed by a sponsorship tree. Each sponsor issues a fixed number of addresses. Since there are lots of sponsors, there are lots of ways to get an Urbit ID — not just one central authority.

46+Second, decentralization: Urbit IDs are distributed by a sponsorship tree. Each sponsor issues a fixed number of addresses. Since there are lots of sponsors, there are lots of ways to get an Urbit ID — not just one central authority. Once you get one, it’s yours forever.

48−Urbit IDs need a sponsor even after they’re issued (primarily for peer discovery on the Urbit network), but you can always change sponsors and sponsors can always reject children. This means bad actors can be banned and abusive sponsors can be ignored. We think this strikes a nice balance between accountability and freedom.

48+One point that’s useful to understand about sponsors is that while Urbit IDs always need a sponsor, or parent node on the network (primarily for peer discovery), it’s always possible to change sponsors and sponsors can always reject children. This means bad actors can be banned and abusive sponsors can be ignored. We think this strikes a nice balance between accountability and freedom.

50−Finally, governance: galaxies (the top of the sponsorship tree) form a senate that can upgrade the logic of the Urbit ID system by majority vote. We think Urbit ID will last for quite a long time, but if it ever needs to be changed, the galaxies can vote to approve, reject, or propose changes to the contracts. Code may be law, but ultimately we acknowledge that human judgment can’t be factored out.

50+Third, governance: galaxies (the top of the sponsorship tree) form a senate that can upgrade the logic of the Urbit ID system by majority vote. We think Urbit ID will last for quite a long time, but if it ever needs to be updated, the galaxies can vote to approve, reject, or propose changes to the contracts. Code may be law, but ultimately we acknowledge that human judgment can’t be factored out.

52−The Urbit ID sponsorship tree is not intended to be a social system in any way. Interactions between people and communities on the Urbit network are peer-to-peer, entirely organic and completely uncontrolled by the address hierarchy. Urbit ID is simply an authentication substrate upon which reputation and communication systems can be built.

52+The Urbit ID sponsorship tree is not intended to be a social system in any way. Interactions between people and communities on the Urbit network are peer-to-peer, entirely organic and completely uncontrolled by the address hierarchy. Urbit ID is simply an authentication substrate upon which reputation and communication systems can be built. (We’ve even considered renaming stars and galaxies ‘infrastructure’ and ‘governance’ nodes, respectively).

54−For this reason, we’ve even considered renaming stars and galaxies ‘infrastructure’ and ‘governance’ nodes, respectively. Your relationship with your sponsor should be sort of like your ISP or a utility provider: a passive, non-invasive relationship. If it isn’t to your liking, moving to a new one should be very easy.

54+Your relationship with your sponsor should be sort of like your ISP or a utility provider: a passive, non-invasive relationship. If it isn’t to your liking, moving to a new sponsor is very easy.

56![](https://media.urbit.org/site/understanding-urbit/your-last-computer/your-last-computer-waves%402x.png)

58Urbit IDs are property, and we think of the entire registry of Urbit IDs as a vast territory of digital land.

60−The scarcity of Urbit ID address space gives it value and in turn helps bootstrap decentralization even while the project is young. Broad distribution is important – If Urbit is going to last a long time and succeed as neutral infrastructure, it has to be owned and controlled by a wide variety of people.

60+The scarcity of Urbit ID address space gives it value and that in turn helps bootstrap decentralization even while the project is young. Broad distribution is important – If Urbit is going to last a long time and succeed as neutral infrastructure, it has to be owned and controlled by a wide variety of people.

62−When we launched the Urbit ID system, in January of 2019, there were a couple thousand different star and galaxy holders acting as stewards of this digital land. Since then, that number is steadily on the rise.

62+When we launched the Urbit ID system, in January of 2019, there were a couple thousand different star and galaxy holders acting as stewards of this digital land. Since then, that number has been steadily on the rise.

64![](https://media.urbit.org/site/understanding-urbit/your-last-computer/your-last-computer-waves%402x.png)

66Ultimately, we want your Urbit ID to feel like a civilizational key. If your Urbit ID were a piece of hardware, you could tap it to unlock a door, swipe it to buy a coffee, and plug it into any computer to log in. Your Urbit ID should be a unique, beautiful object that’s both an address and a wallet. It’s a key to a secret club and the ticket to your digital life.

68−Moving on, let’s talk about what we want this whole stack to feel like as a user experience.

68+Moving on, let’s talk about what we want this whole stack to feel like as a user experience.

69+

70+<iframe name="nothing" style="display:none;"></iframe>

71+<p class="mt5">If you’d like to follow our progress, we send monthly updates via email:</p>

72+<form

73+action="https://urbit.us11.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=972a03db9e0c6c25bb58de8c8&amp;id=be143888d2"

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100+

101+You can also follow us on [Twitter](https://twitter.com/urbit) or [GitHub](https://github.com/urbit).

102+

103+Or, preferably, on Urbit itself in `~dopzod/urbit-help`

content/understanding-urbit/urbit-os.md+44−9

@@ -9,21 +9,21 @@ hide_previous_title = "true"

9image = "https://media.urbit.org/site/understanding-urbit/your-last-computer/your-last-computer-waves%402x.png"

10+++

12−For the most part, we use our laptops simply as access points to MEGACORP services. Our phones are the same way. These services are amazing and convenient. But for that convenience we’ve traded away control, ownership and privacy. The way we live our digital lives is completely out of our hands.

12+For the most part, we use our laptops simply as access points to MEGACORP services. Our phones are the same. These services are amazing and convenient. But for that convenience we’ve traded away control, ownership and privacy. The way we live our digital lives is completely out of our hands.

14![](https://media.urbit.org/site/understanding-urbit/your-last-computer/your-last-computer-waves%402x.png)

16−Today’s MEGACORP monopolies retain their control because of one central technical advantage: they make the server side usable. In exchange, they mine your data.

16+Today’s MEGACORP monopolies retain their control because of one central technical advantage: they make the server side usable.

18−Urbit OS is built to break these monopolies at this central point of control. Urbit OS makes the server side usable for individuals and cuts out the MEGACORP.

18+Urbit OS is built to break these monopolies at this central point of control. Urbit OS makes the server side usable for individuals without the need for MEGACORP to run their software.

20−In 1974 a computer was the size of a room and was shared by hundreds of people. By 1984 a computer was the size of a desk and everyone had their own. With the rise of the internet, the PC has slowly become irrelevant.

20+We’ve already been through this before. In 1974 a computer was a mainframe the size of a room and was shared by hundreds of people. By 1984 a computer was the size of a desk and everyone had their own PC. The PC was more flexible and more fun, so it won by a wide margin. Then, with the rise of the internet, the PC’s flexibility slowly became irrelevant.

22−Today, MEGACORP runs giant server farms that everyone shares. We’re basically back to the timesharing model of the 70s. If everyone had their own Urbit OS we could talk directly to one another, shape our communities and explore what networked, multiplayer computing should look like.

22+Today, we’re more or less back to the timesharing model of the 1970s. Urbit OS is the PC to MEGACORP’s mainframe. It’s more flexible, more fun, and most of all, poised to capture the everyday creativity of the individual.

24Let’s talk about how we think we’re going to pull this off from a technical standpoint, and our vision for using Urbit.

26−If you’d like to skip ahead to exactly what Urbit will be like to use [go ahead](). Or if you’re someone who just wants to head to the source, [it’s here](). In that case you may also want to [read the docs]() to get up and running.

26+If you’d like to skip ahead to what Urbit will be like to use [go ahead](/understanding-urbit/urbitos1-osn). Or if you’re someone who just wants to head to the source, [it’s here](https://github.com/urbit/urbit#urbit). In that case you may also want to [read the docs](https://urbit.org/docs/) to get up and running.

28![](https://media.urbit.org/site/understanding-urbit/your-last-computer/your-last-computer-waves%402x.png)

@@ -49,10 +49,45 @@ This sounds like a lot — but the whole stack is incredibly compact. The whole

50But why did we build all this technology?

52−First and foremost, to deliver a better user experience. Urbit OS alone is just a new layer for personal computing in the cloud. But with this new layer we open up the possibility of building a completely unified interface for people to compute in the cloud. (If you’d like to skip to how we envision that interface [go for it]().)

52+First and foremost, to deliver a better user experience. Urbit OS alone is just a new layer for personal computing in the cloud. But with this new layer we open up the possibility of building a completely unified interface for people to compute in the cloud. (If you’d like to skip to how we envision that interface [go for it](/understanding-urbit/urbitos1-osn).)

54−From a broader perspective, it’s clear that connected computing is important, and here to stay. We just want it to be as calm, simple and reliable as possible. And we think it’s impossible to get there using existing technology.

54+From a broader perspective, it’s clear that connected computing is important and that it’s here to stay. We just want it to be as calm, simple and reliable as possible, and we don’t think can happen using existing technology.

56All of Urbit is built to function as a single stack, and we think that building a useful product is the best way to mature the system as a whole. That said, each component of this system can be used on its own. Don’t like our client? That’s okay, you can build your own. Don’t want to use Urbit OS? No problem — you can use Urbit ID as an authentication system for some other OS, or for anything, really.

58−Speaking of Urbit ID, let’s talk about what that actually is.

58+Speaking of Urbit ID, let’s talk about what that actually is.

59+

60+<iframe name="nothing" style="display:none;"></iframe>

61+<p class="mt5">If you’d like to follow our progress, we send monthly updates via email:</p>

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90+

91+You can also follow us on [Twitter](https://twitter.com/urbit) or [GitHub](https://github.com/urbit).

92+

93+Or, preferably, on Urbit itself in `~dopzod/urbit-help`

content/understanding-urbit/urbitos1-osn.md+46−9

@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@

1+++

2−title = "Urbit OS1 –> OSN"

2+title = "Urbit OS¹ -> OSⁿ"

3description = "A quick tour of the technology"

4weight = 3

5[extra]

@@ -8,19 +8,21 @@ hide_next_title = "true"

8hide_previous_title = "true"

9+++

11+# Urbit Interface

12+

11We started at the bottom of the stack, years ago, with the VM. We’re just now getting to the top: the interface. Urbit ID and Urbit OS are great tools — but technology on its own isn’t enough. As far as we’re concerned, if people don’t actually use this thing, it doesn’t matter.

13We started at the bottom of the stack, years ago, with the VM. We’re just now getting to the top: the interface. Urbit ID and Urbit OS are great tools — but technology on its own isn’t enough. As far as we’re concerned, if people don’t actually use this thing, it doesn’t matter.

13Urbit, VM to UI, is meant to feel like the a desktop OS for a networked world: a single, unified system where you can interact with, update and archive all of your personal data; communicate with your friends and family; and collaborate with the people you work with.

15Urbit, VM to UI, is meant to feel like the a desktop OS for a networked world: a single, unified system where you can interact with, update and archive all of your personal data; communicate with your friends and family; and collaborate with the people you work with.

15−One way to imagine Urbit is as the Western answer to WeChat: a seamless, multi-purpose, vastly extensible social network, but without the surveillance. As a platform anyone can extend, we see Urbit as the ultimate productivity tool: no more frankenstack of apps and services needed for companies and collaborators – because everything lives in one interface. With the power to build whatever you want on top of Urbit, you can bring everything together in one place.

17+One way to imagine Urbit is as the Western answer to WeChat: a seamless, multi-purpose, vastly extensible social network, but without the surveillance. As a platform anyone can extend, we see Urbit as the ultimate productivity tool: no more frankenstack of apps and services needed for companies and collaborators, because everything lives in one interface. With the power to build whatever you want on top of Urbit, you can bring everything together in one place.

17In early 2020, we’ll release what we’re calling OS 1 — the first minimal but complete user experience for Urbit. OS 1 brings together the whole Urbit stack into a single interface. OS 1 is simple in the extreme. It’s a calm, ad-free, privacy-respecting environment to homestead new digital communities.

19In early 2020, we’ll release what we’re calling OS 1 — the first minimal but complete user experience for Urbit. OS 1 brings together the whole Urbit stack into a single interface. OS 1 is simple in the extreme. It’s a calm, ad-free, privacy-respecting environment to homestead new digital communities.

19−We’ve got a pretty clear picture of OS 1, 2 and 3 which we’ll explain in [the roadmap](). Here, we’ll focus on the vision for Urbit as a user experience.

21+We’ve got a pretty clear picture of OS 1, 2 and 3 which we’ll explain in [the roadmap](/understanding-urbit/roadmap). Here, we’ll focus on the vision for Urbit as a user experience.

21![](https://media.urbit.org/site/understanding-urbit/your-last-computer/your-last-computer-waves%402x.png)

23![](https://media.urbit.org/site/understanding-urbit/your-last-computer/your-last-computer-waves%402x.png)

23−In the current world of apps and services, there’s no operating system in any meaningful sense. Our laptops and phones just let us switch between services. Our communities, co-workers and lives are spread between these services — the work of combining them is left to the user. You have to remember all your passwords, who sent what message where, what files are on which platform, and so on.

25+In the current world of apps and services, there’s no operating system in any meaningful sense. Our laptops and phones just let us switch between services. Our communities, co-workers and lives are spread between these services — and the work of combining them is left to the user. You have to remember all your passwords, who sent what message where, what files are on which platform, and so on.

25The most severely lacking thing about our digital lives today is that they lack a sense of place or a sense of home.

27The most severely lacking thing about our digital lives today is that they lack a sense of place or a sense of home.

@@ -38,13 +40,13 @@ In Urbit, there are two building blocks: groups and modules. A group is exactly

39Think of a module like a particular way of communicating. Usually, groups have a few different ways they want to communicate. Urbit makes this simple and straightforward. With one group, you may decide to chat and share photos. Another might share annotated research, watch the markets, and manage payments on a blockchain.

41Think of a module like a particular way of communicating. Usually, groups have a few different ways they want to communicate. Urbit makes this simple and straightforward. With one group, you may decide to chat and share photos. Another might share annotated research, watch the markets, and manage payments on a blockchain.

41−Bringing together a group and customizing the modules it shares is easy. Building a new module is pretty straightforward, no more difficult than building an iOS app — although you do have to learn about the Urbit stack.

43+Creating a group and customizing the modules it shares is easy. Building a new module is pretty straightforward as well, no more difficult than building an iOS app — although you do have to learn about the Urbit stack.

43![](https://media.urbit.org/site/understanding-urbit/your-last-computer/your-last-computer-waves%402x.png)

45![](https://media.urbit.org/site/understanding-urbit/your-last-computer/your-last-computer-waves%402x.png)

45We think this basic metaphor can scale, over time, to be useful in many different contexts.

47We think this basic metaphor can scale, over time, to be useful in many different contexts.

47−For example, parents might give their young children an Urbit that’s locked, at first, to only two groups: family and friends from school. It might also be limited to one module: chat.

49+For example, parents might give their young children an Urbit that’s locked, at first, to only two groups: family and friends from school. It might also be limited to one module: chat.

49A broader group of siblings, parents and grandparents might create a group with a few more modules to share photos, chat and coordinate events.

51A broader group of siblings, parents and grandparents might create a group with a few more modules to share photos, chat and coordinate events.

@@ -58,6 +60,41 @@ Centralized services are great at replacing broadcast media: distributing conten

59Urbit is for everything else. That is, Urbit is for actual two-way communication: keeping a group of friends connected, staying in touch with your family, or working with a group of collaborators.

61Urbit is for everything else. That is, Urbit is for actual two-way communication: keeping a group of friends connected, staying in touch with your family, or working with a group of collaborators.

61−We designed Urbit to become the best tool for communicating with friends and family or collaborating with peers. It’s a social network, but much calmer and more purposeful. It’s a productivity tool, but much more secure and powerful.

63+We designed Urbit to become the best tool for communicating with friends and family, or collaborating with peers. It’s a social network, but much calmer and more purposeful. It’s a productivity tool, but much more secure and powerful.

62−

64+

63−How do we get to this future? By staying focussed, writing code, and iterating through design. We have a rough outline of this process — let’s walk through it.

65+How do we get to this future? By staying focussed, writing code, and iterating through design. We have a rough outline of this process — let’s walk through it.

66+

67+<iframe name="nothing" style="display:none;"></iframe>

68+<p class="mt5">If you’d like to follow our progress, we send monthly updates via email:</p>

69+<form

70+action="https://urbit.us11.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=972a03db9e0c6c25bb58de8c8&amp;id=be143888d2"

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97+

98+You can also follow us on [Twitter](https://twitter.com/urbit) or [GitHub](https://github.com/urbit).

99+

100+Or, preferably, on Urbit itself in `~dopzod/urbit-help`

templates/understanding-urbit/list.html+66−35

@@ -32,48 +32,79 @@

33</nav>

34

35+<section class="c4-10-lg">

35−<h1 id="introduction" class="mb4 full mt4 c4-10-lg">What Urbit Is</h1>

36+ <h1 id="introduction" class="mb4 full mt4 ">What Urbit Is</h1>

36−<section class="full-bleed full grid12">

37− <p class="full c4-10-lg mt0 mb4 mb4-xl lh-copy">We think the internet can’t be saved. The way things are going, MEGACORP will always control our apps and services because we can no longer run them ourselves.

37+ <p class="full mt0 mb4 mb4-xl lh-copy">We think the internet can’t be saved. The way things are going, MEGACORP will always control our apps and services because we can no longer run them ourselves.</p>

38−

39− <p class="full c4-10-lg mt0 mb4 mb4-xl lh-copy">The only way out of this mess is with a completely new platform that’s owned and controlled by its users.</p>

38+ <p class="full mt0 mb4 mb4-xl lh-copy">The only way out of this mess is with a completely new platform that’s owned and controlled by its users.</p>

39+ <img class="full mb4" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/media.urbit.org/site/understanding-urbit/intro/intro-0.jpg"/>

40+ <p class="full mt0 mb4 mb4-xl lh-copy">Urbit is a new OS and peer-to-peer network that’s simple by design, built to last forever, and 100% owned by its users. Under the hood, Urbit is a clean-slate software stack compact enough that an individual developer can understand and control it completely.</p>

41+ <p class="full mt0 mb4 mb4-xl lh-copy">We built this new stack to give people a single integrated tool for communicating and building communities – a tool they can trust, control, and extend to their liking. We want to do away with the terrible user experience of the current ‘frankenstack’ of apps and services that we all use today. </p>

42+ <p class="full mt0 mb4 mb4-xl lh-copy">Urbit is designed to become an effective, customizable productivity tool for collaborators, and a calm noninvasive communication tool for friends and families.</p>

43+ <p class="full mt0 mb4 mb4-xl lh-copy">This probably sounds crazy, so let’s get concrete and talk about (1) Urbit as a piece of technology and (2) Urbit as a user experience.</p>

44+ <p class="full mt0 mb4 mb4-xl lh-copy b">1 - Technology</p>

45+ <p class="full mt0 mb4 mb4-xl lh-copy">Technically, Urbit is two components: Urbit OS and Urbit ID.</p>

46+ <p class="full mt0 mb4 mb4-xl lh-copy">Both are completely <a class="bb" href="/understanding-urbit/urbit-os">open</a> <a class="bb" href="/understanding-urbit/urbit-id">source</a> and MIT licensed.</p>

47+ <img class="full mb4" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/media.urbit.org/site/understanding-urbit/intro/intro-0.jpg"/>

48+ <p class="full mt0 mb4 mb4-xl lh-copy">Urbit OS is a new, carefully architected software stack: a VM, programming language and kernel designed to run software for an individual. </p>

49+ <p class="full mt0 mb4 mb4-xl lh-copy">Urbit OS is a program that runs on almost any cloud server, most laptops and many phones: anything with Unix and an internet connection. Urbit OS is completely sealed from the system it runs on, sort of like WASM or the JVM. We sometimes call it an ‘overlay OS’.</p>

50+ <p class="full mt0 mb4 mb4-xl lh-copy">In an Urbit world, each person has their own Urbit OS node, or ‘urbit’. Your urbit is secure and private to you and entirely under your control. When you want to connect with others, you connect to their urbit directly — rather than going through a centralized service. </p>

51+ <p class="full mt0 mb4 mb4-xl lh-copy">If you’re curious to dive even deeper into Urbit OS, feel free to <a class="bb" href="/understanding-urbit/urbit-os">skip ahead</a>.</p>

52+ <img class="full mb4" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/media.urbit.org/site/understanding-urbit/intro/intro-0.jpg"/>

53+ <p class="full mt0 mb4 mb4-xl lh-copy">Urbit ID is an identity and authentication system specifically designed to work with Urbit OS. When you boot or log in to Urbit OS, you use your Urbit ID. </p>

54+ <p class="full mt0 mb4 mb4-xl lh-copy">Your Urbit ID is a short, memorable name (like </code>~ravmel-ropdyl</code>) that’s a username, network address and crypto wallet all in one. It’s registered on a blockchain, you own it with a key and no one can take it away from you. Urbit IDs are cryptographic property. </p>

55+ <p class="full mt0 mb4 mb4-xl lh-copy">Urbit IDs aren’t money, but they are scarce, so each one costs something. This means that when you meet a stranger on the Urbit network, they have some skin in the game and are less likely to be a bot or a spammer.</p>

56+ <p class="full mt0 mb4 mb4-xl lh-copy">The Urbit ID system is live and deployed, and we don’t plan to change it all that much. It works well. If you’re curious to dive further into the details, jump ahead to <a class="bb" href="/understanding-urbit/urbit-id">this post</a></p>

57+ <p class="full mt0 mb4 mb4-xl lh-copy b">2 - User experience</p>

58+ <p class="full mt0 mb4 mb4-xl lh-copy">We want Urbit to be a single, simple interface for your whole digital life.</p>

59+ <img class="full mb4" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/media.urbit.org/site/understanding-urbit/intro/intro-0.jpg"/>

60+ <p class="full mt0 mb4 mb4-xl lh-copy">Over the years, Urbit has been built in public as an open source project. Anyone can <a class="bb" href="/using/install/">join the network</a> and check out what we’re up to. It’s a bit like signing on to IRC in the early 90s. </p>

61+ <p class="full mt0 mb4 mb4-xl lh-copy">In early 2020, we’ll release Urbit OS 1: a minimal interface for group communication, and our first complete interface. OS 1 is a tool to chat, share notes and links, and stay connected. </p>

62+ <p class="full mt0 mb4 mb4-xl lh-copy">OS 1 is the first step toward a truly complete OS for a networked world. </p>

63+ <p class="full mt0 mb4 mb4-xl lh-copy">Over time, Urbit will grow into a system that can bring together all our different modes of communicating: chat, payments, documents, images, biometric data. We want individuals and their communities to be able to both control their software in fact, through the source code, and in action, through a simple interface.</p>

64+ <p class="full mt0 mb4 mb4-xl lh-copy">We want to leave behind a world of apps and services for one where we can bring everything together in one place. And, in doing so, ordinary users can create customized digital environments for their friends and communities.</p>

65+ <img class="full mb4" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/media.urbit.org/site/understanding-urbit/intro/intro-0.jpg"/>

66+ <p class="full mt0 mb4 mb4-xl lh-copy">To see how we’re going to get there, let’s walk through these two pieces of new technology individually, Urbit OS and Urbit ID. We’ll then talk about our vision for the future and how we’ll get there.</p>

67+ <p class="full mt0 mb4 mb4-xl lh-copy">For technical people, it’s important to note that Urbit as a stack is in no way required to be used together. Don’t like our client? Feel free to build your own. Just like the Urbit ID system? No problem — use it! Ultimately, we think that new technology is most likely to get adopted if it can provide a much, much better user experience. So that’s what we’re focussing on creating.</p>

41− <img class="full c4-10-lg mb4" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/media.urbit.org/site/understanding-urbit/intro/intro-0.jpg"/>

69+ <iframe name="nothing" style="display:none;"></iframe>

42−

70+ <p class="mt5">If you’d like to follow our progress, we send monthly updates via email:</p>

43− <p class="full c4-10-lg mt0 mb4 mb4-xl lh-copy">Urbit is a new OS and peer-to-peer network that’s simple by design, built to last forever, and 100% owned by its users. Under the hood, Urbit is a clean-slate software stack compact enough that an individual developer can understand and control it completely.</p>

71+ <form

44− <p class="full c4-10-lg mt0 mb4 mb4-xl lh-copy">We built this new stack to give people a single integrated tool for communicating and building communities – a tool they can trust, control, and extend to their liking. We want to do away with the terrible user experience of the current ‘frankenstack’ of apps and services that we all use today. </p>

72+ action="https://urbit.us11.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=972a03db9e0c6c25bb58de8c8&amp;id=be143888d2"

45− <p class="full c4-10-lg mt0 mb4 mb4-xl lh-copy">Urbit is designed to become an effective, customizable productivity tool for collaborators, and a calm noninvasive communication tool for friends and families.</p>

73+ method="post"

46− <p class="full c4-10-lg mt0 mb4 mb4-xl lh-copy">This probably sounds crazy, so let’s get concrete and talk about (1) Urbit as a piece of technology and (2) Urbit as a user experience.</p>

74+ id="mc-embedded-subscribe-form"

47− <p class="full c4-10-lg mt0 mb4 mb4-xl lh-copy b">1 - Technology</p>

75+ name="mc-embedded-subscribe-form"

48− <p class="full c4-10-lg mt0 mb4 mb4-xl lh-copy">Technically, Urbit is two components: Urbit OS and Urbit ID. Both are completely [open]() [source]() and MIT licensed.</p>

76+ class="validate form"

49− <img class="full c4-10-lg mb4" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/media.urbit.org/site/understanding-urbit/intro/intro-0.jpg"/>

77+ target="_blank"

50− <p class="full c4-10-lg mt0 mb4 mb4-xl lh-copy">Urbit OS is a new, carefully architected software stack: a VM, programming language and kernel designed to run software for an individual. </p>

78+ novalidate>

51− <p class="full c4-10-lg mt0 mb4 mb4-xl lh-copy">Urbit OS is a program that runs on almost any cloud server, most laptops and many phones: anything with Unix and an internet connection. Urbit OS is completely sealed from the system it runs on, sort of like WASM or the JVM. We sometimes call it an ‘overlay OS’.</p>

79+ <div class="input-group" id="mc_embed_signup_scroll">

52− <p class="full c4-10-lg mt0 mb4 mb4-xl lh-copy">In an Urbit world, each person has their own Urbit OS node, or ‘urbit’. Your urbit is secure and private to you and entirely under your control. When you want to connect with others, you connect to their urbit directly — rather than going through a centralized service. </p>

80+ <div class="mc-field-group w-100 relative">

53− <p class="full c4-10-lg mt0 mb4 mb4-xl lh-copy">If you’re curious to dive even deeper into Urbit OS, feel free to [skip ahead]().</p>

81+ <input

54− <img class="full c4-10-lg mb4" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/media.urbit.org/site/understanding-urbit/intro/intro-0.jpg"/>

82+ class="bg-white black b--black ba pa3 w-100 mb2 br0 wk-appearance-none"

55− <p class="full c4-10-lg mt0 mb4 mb4-xl lh-copy">Urbit ID is an identity and authentication system specifically designed to work with Urbit OS. When you boot or log in to Urbit OS, you use your Urbit ID. </p>

83+ type="email"

56− <p class="full c4-10-lg mt0 mb4 mb4-xl lh-copy">Your Urbit ID is a short, memorable name (like ~ravmel-ropdyl) that’s a username, network address and crypto wallet all in one. It’s registered on a blockchain, you own it with a key and no one can take it away from you. Urbit IDs are cryptographic property. </p>

84+ name="EMAIL"

57− <p class="full c4-10-lg mt0 mb4 mb4-xl lh-copy">Urbit IDs aren’t money, but they are scarce, so each one costs something. This means that when you meet a stranger on the Urbit network, they have some skin in the game and are less likely to be a bot or a spammer.</p>

85+ id="mce-EMAIL"

58− <p class="full c4-10-lg mt0 mb4 mb4-xl lh-copy">The Urbit ID system is live and deployed, and we don’t plan to change it all that much. It works well. If you’re curious to dive further into the details, jump ahead to [this post]().</p>

86+ placeholder="your@email.com"/>

59− <p class="full c4-10-lg mt0 mb4 mb4-xl lh-copy b">2 - User experience</p>

87+ <button

60− <p class="full c4-10-lg mt0 mb4 mb4-xl lh-copy">We want Urbit to be a single, simple interface for your whole digital life.</p>

88+ id="mc-embedded-subscribe"

61− <img class="full c4-10-lg mb4" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/media.urbit.org/site/understanding-urbit/intro/intro-0.jpg"/>

89+ class="dib bn absolute bg-transparent"

62− <p class="full c4-10-lg mt0 mb4 mb4-xl lh-copy">Over the years, Urbit has been built in public as an open source project. Anyone can [join the network]() and check out what we’re up to. It’s a bit like signing on to IRC in the early 90s. </p>

90+ style="font-family: 'Inter UI', san-serif; right: 3px; top: 15px; -webkit-appearance: none;"

63− <p class="full c4-10-lg mt0 mb4 mb4-xl lh-copy">In early 2020, we’ll release Urbit OS 1: a minimal interface for group communication, and our first complete interface. OS 1 is a tool to chat, share notes and links, and stay connected. </p>

91+ type="submit"

64− <p class="full c4-10-lg mt0 mb4 mb4-xl lh-copy">OS 1 is the first step toward a truly complete OS for a networked world. </p>

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65− <p class="full c4-10-lg mt0 mb4 mb4-xl lh-copy">Over time, Urbit will grow into a system that can bring together all our different modes of communicating: chat, payments, documents, images, biometric data. We want individuals and their communities to be able to both control their software in fact, through the source code, and in action, through a simple interface.</p>

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66− <p class="full c4-10-lg mt0 mb4 mb4-xl lh-copy">We want to leave behind a world of apps and services for one where we can bring everything together in one place. And, in doing so, ordinary users can create customized digital environments for their friends and communities.</p>

94+ <span class="fr pr1">-></span>

67− <img class="full c4-10-lg mb4" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/media.urbit.org/site/understanding-urbit/intro/intro-0.jpg"/>

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68− <p class="full c4-10-lg mt0 mb4 mb4-xl lh-copy">To see how we’re going to get there, let’s walk through these two pieces of new technology individually, Urbit OS and Urbit ID. We’ll then talk about our vision for the future and how we’ll get there.</p>

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69− <p class="full c4-10-lg mt0 mb4 mb4-xl lh-copy">For technical people, it’s important to note that Urbit as a stack is in no way required to be used together. Don’t like our client? Feel free to build your own. Just like the Urbit ID system? No problem — use it! Ultimately, we think that new technology is most likely to get adopted if it can provide a much, much better user experience. So that’s what we’re focussing on creating.</p>

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99+ <p class="full mt3 mb3 mb3-xl lh-copy">You can also follow us on <a class="bb" href="https://twitter.com/urbit">Twitter</a> or <a class="bb" href="https://github.com/urbit">Github</a>.</p>

100+ <p class="full mt0 mb3 mb4-xl lh-copy">Or, preferably, on Urbit itself in <code>`~dopzod/urbit-help`</code></p>

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