01What is Omarchy Linux OS and how does it work?

Omarchy Linux OS is a free operating system built on Linux that is designed for using AI agents. It works like a whole computer system that you can control with AI. In this episode, Julian Goldie tests it on a Mac Studio without deleting macOS.

Omarchy runs in its own window, like a terminal, but it is a full OS. You can use AI agents like GPT-6 Astra to set it up, configure it, and build custom tools inside it. It works locally on your device, so you can switch between macOS and Omarchy anytime.

02Key features of Omarchy Linux OS

Omarchy comes with several standout features that make it useful for AI-driven work.

  • Free and open source: The GitHub repository is free to use.
  • Runs alongside macOS: You don't need to delete your current OS. Use the Try Omarchy method.
  • AI agent integration: Connect agents like GPT-6 Astra, Claude, Codex, or Open Code.
  • Customizable interface: Change themes, wallpaper, colors, menus, and terminal appearance.
  • Build custom tools: Create apps like an instant idea capture tool or a morning briefing panel.
  • Multiple screens: Run separate tasks and apps in different windows.

Julian notes that the theming feature is especially cool because it changes the whole vibe of the OS.

03How to set up Omarchy on a Mac

Setting up Omarchy is straightforward, even for beginners. Julian shows the steps in the episode.

  1. Go to the free GitHub repo for Omarchy and download it.
  2. Use the Try Omarchy method to run it without deleting macOS.
  3. Open Omarchy in its own window and press return to start the setup guide.
  4. Choose your language, like English UK.
  5. Enter a username and host name.
  6. Use an AI agent like GPT-6 Astra to help with configuration if needed.
  7. Update the system when prompted.

Julian had Astra handle most of the setup for him. He notes that you need about 8GB of free space. He ran it on a Mac Studio with 36GB memory and an M4 Max chip.

04Using Omarchy with GPT-6 Astra

Once Omarchy is set up, you can connect an AI agent to control it. Julian used GPT-6 Astra inside ChatGPT, with Codex as his favorite setup.

First, allow SSH access inside Omarchy. Then give the AI agent your username and password. The agent can then configure the OS, open terminal windows, and build tools for you.

To open a terminal, press Command+Enter on a Mac. To close a window, type 'exit' and press Enter.

Julian shows how Astra built a custom tool called "instant idea capture." Press Command+Shift+I to open it. The tool saves ideas to a markdown file. He also created a morning briefing panel that can add tasks and refresh or save briefings.

05Results and comparisons from the episode

Julian found that Omarchy runs fast and responsive, unlike some VPS systems that are slow in separate windows. He says it works fine on his M4 Max Mac Studio.

He compared it to macOS, noting that macOS is simplified and fixed, while Omarchy lets you customize everything. He also answered a viewer question about Open Code and Hermes, saying that combination is good for agentic tasks, but for coding, you might just use Open Code directly.

Julian had three AI agents working at once: one building the morning briefing, one exploring use cases, and one changing the theme. This shows how Omarchy supports multitasking with multiple AI agents.

06Tips, limits, and mistakes to avoid

Julian shares practical advice from his first experience with Omarchy.

  • Know your username: If you forget it, type 'who am I' in the terminal to see it.
  • Open terminal with Command+Enter: This is different from macOS.
  • Close windows with 'exit': Typing exit closes the terminal.
  • Use AI agents from the start: It saves time and helps agents understand your work.
  • Be careful with tokens: Julian uses a ChatGPT subscription, so he doesn't worry, but others might.
  • Access is local: Omarchy can't be accessed from anywhere else; it runs only on your device.

Julian admits he is new to Linux and found the multiple windows confusing at first. He suggests staying focused and not trying to do too much at once.

07Who is Omarchy for and why it matters

Omarchy is for developers and AI enthusiasts who want to build and customize their OS with AI agents. It's also for anyone who wants to try Linux without giving up macOS.

It matters because it lets you create apps and tools quickly using natural language. You can have two operating systems open at the same time and switch between them or let AI control one.

Julian says it's like "vibe coding but for operating systems." You can build any idea into your OS and have it ready to use whenever you want.