Install Arlo OS

Get your team connected in under 5 minutes. No code required — just Claude + Notion.

⏱️ ~5 minutes to set up
1

Download Claude Desktop

Arlo OS runs inside Claude's desktop app. Download it from Anthropic if you haven't already.

Download Claude →
Tip: You need a Claude Pro or Team subscription. The free tier doesn't support the tools Arlo OS uses.
2

Connect Notion

Arlo OS uses Notion as its data layer. Connect it in Claude's settings.

  • Open Claude Desktop → Settings → Connectors
  • Click "Connect Notion"
  • When Notion asks what to share, select "All pages" (or at minimum the Command Center and everything under it)
  • Confirm the connection
Why "All pages"? Arlo OS reads from multiple databases (Team Members, SOPs, Tickets, etc.). Limiting access means some features won't work.
3

Create Your Workspace Folder

Arlo OS stores its working files locally on your computer. Create a folder and add the instructions file.

# Create the workspace mkdir -p ~/ArloOS/_system/history # The CLAUDE.md instructions file will be # auto-generated on your first session
Tip: The folder name doesn't matter — "ArloOS", "Arlo OS", "My Workspace" all work. What matters is the _system/ structure inside it.
4

Add the CLAUDE.md File

This is the OS itself — the instructions that tell Claude how to operate. Your team lead will provide this file, or you can download the starter kit.

# Place CLAUDE.md in your workspace root: ~/ArloOS/CLAUDE.md # On first run, Arlo OS will auto-create: ~/ArloOS/_system/context.md ~/ArloOS/_system/session-log.md ~/ArloOS/_system/the-bible.md ~/ArloOS/_system/open-items.md ~/ArloOS/_system/history/
5

Start Your First Session

Open Claude Desktop, select your workspace folder, and say hello. Arlo OS will detect it's your first time and walk you through onboarding.

  • Open Claude Desktop
  • Click the folder icon → select your ArloOS folder
  • Start a new conversation
  • Arlo OS auto-detects first session and begins onboarding
  • You'll create your character, pick a starter vehicle, and run your first challenge
What to expect: Onboarding takes about 10 minutes. You'll choose an archetype, get a callsign, pick a vehicle, and complete a starter challenge. After that, you're fully operational.

Common Questions

What if I already have Claude and Notion set up?

Skip steps 1-2. Just create the workspace folder, add CLAUDE.md, and start a session. If Notion is already connected, Arlo OS will detect it automatically.

Does it work on mobile?

The dashboard works on any device. The OS itself (Claude sessions) works best on desktop where you have the full Claude Desktop app with file access.

What if the heartbeat fails?

The heartbeat is how leadership knows you're connected. If it fails, Arlo OS will walk you through fixing it — usually it's a Notion permission issue. Check that Claude has access to the Team Members database.

Can I use Arlo OS on multiple computers?

Yes. Your Notion data syncs everywhere. Keep your workspace folder in a synced location (iCloud, Dropbox, etc.) for local file continuity across machines.

How do I update the OS?

Arlo OS auto-updates itself. Every time you start a session, it checks for new instructions and pulls them automatically. You don't need to do anything.

Ready to go?

If you've completed all 5 steps, start a session. Arlo OS handles the rest.

Open Dashboard →