22. FAQ

Short answers to the questions that come up most. Deeper detail is always in the chapter the question links to.

What is the difference between an agent and a session? An agent is the persistent thing — its memory, instructions, skills, MCPs. A session is a single conversation with it. The agent outlives any session. → Chapter 3.

Can two people share one agent? Yes. They each get an identity tied to the channel they use, and the owner controls roles. Memory is shared per agent. → Chapter 5.

How do I keep my private memory private from other users on the same agent? You cannot, on one agent. Memory is per-agent, not per-user. For per-user privacy, run one agent per user. → Chapter 6.

Instructions vs memory — which when? Instructions for rules that must hold every session. Memory for facts and preferences the agent can recall when relevant. → Chapter 7.

Skills vs MCP servers — which when? Skills package prompting patterns and helper scripts. MCP servers connect external systems. Use both together when you need to. → Chapter 8 and Chapter 9.

Can the agent execute code in its environment? Yes — via the exec tool, inside its sandboxed workspace. By default owners and users have it; guests do not. → Chapter 10.

Will switching models lose my memory or sessions? No. Model is a runtime choice; storage is independent. → Chapter 16.

How do I stop a runaway turn? Hit interrupt (Ctrl-C in CLI, the stop button in web). The runner also aborts after 15 consecutive tool failures on its own.

Can the agent message me on its own? Through schedules, yes. The schedule’s prompt tells it where to send the result. → Chapter 11.

Is OpenHermit open source? Yes. The exact repo and licence are operator-known.

How do I share an agent with someone outside my company? Set access level to public or protected, share the URL or channel handle. → Chapter 12, Chapter 13.

How do I make a guest into a user? Use the gateway admin UI’s Users tab, or ask the agent as owner to promote the user. → Chapter 14.

Does the agent remember everything I say forever? Long-term memory entries persist until you delete them. Session scrollback is per session. → Chapter 6.

Where are my files stored? In the agent’s workspace, on the gateway. Persistent across restarts. → Chapter 10.

Can I trust the agent with credentials? Put credentials in the secret store. The agent uses them via tools but does not see raw values in its context. → Chapter 18.

What if a tool the agent wants to call is dangerous? Policy + approval. Mark the tool as require_approval; the owner gets a prompt before the call runs. → Chapter 15.

Can I run OpenHermit locally? Yes — the gateway runs on a single host or in a container. Operator territory beyond that.

Where do I report bugs or request features? Ask your operator or check the project repo. The gateway logs are the first thing they will ask for.

22.1 Pointers