> Documentation index: https://docs.kiste.run/llms.txt, a list of every page in this documentation.

# FAQ

> Short answers to common questions about Kiste.

## Does my work survive when I stop a Kiste?

Yes. Stopping keeps the disk. `kiste stop --snapshot` also keeps the running
programs, so the next start resumes them. And every Kiste is checkpointed
off-site every five minutes when its disk changed. Only `kiste delete` removes a
Kiste, and even then its checkpoints are kept for 14 days.

## Am I root?

Yes. SSH logs you in as `root`, and the desktop runs as the user `kiste`, which
can use `sudo`. Every Kiste has its own kernel, memory and disk; nothing you do in
it can affect anyone else's.

## Which operating system runs in a Kiste?

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS with GNOME on x86-64. Windows and macOS guests aren't
available.

## Can I run Docker?

Yes, Docker is installed and runs inside the Kiste.

## Is there a GPU?

No. Kisten have CPUs only; the desktop is rendered and encoded without a GPU.

## How do I reach a web server running in a Kiste?

From your own computer: `kiste forward 8080 3000`. For anyone with a link:
`kiste stream 3000`, see [Kiste Stream](https://docs.kiste.run/stream.md). Kisten don't have public IP
addresses or open ports.

## Can a Kiste reach the internet?

Yes, Kisten have outgoing internet access for package managers, git, APIs and
browsing. Sending e-mail directly over port 25 is blocked; use your e-mail
provider's submission port instead.

## What does it cost?

Nothing during early access. When billing starts, you pay per second of
running time from prepaid credit; stopped Kisten cost no compute. See [Plans
and billing](https://docs.kiste.run/account/billing.md).

## Can I use a Kiste from my phone?

Yes: open its desktop with a link in mobile Safari or Chrome. See [Devices and
multiple viewers](https://docs.kiste.run/desktop/devices.md).

## Where is my data?

On servers in Germany; off-site checkpoint copies are encrypted in the EU. See
[Account](https://docs.kiste.run/account.md#where-your-data-is).

## Related topics

- [What is Kiste](https://docs.kiste.run/get-started.md)
- [Quickstart](https://docs.kiste.run/get-started/quickstart.md)
- [Install the CLI](https://docs.kiste.run/get-started/install.md)
- [Core concepts](https://docs.kiste.run/get-started/concepts.md)
- Previous: [Core concepts](https://docs.kiste.run/get-started/concepts.md)
- Next: [Overview](https://docs.kiste.run/kisten.md)