Alan's Way MCP
A Mac workspace with a computer-use MCP server: agents work in their own browser tabs and in native apps.
- 106 ★ on the repository
- Last commit
- MIT
Broad access
Why this level
- The server drives real Chromium tabs and native Mac apps, and the app is granted screen and input permissions for that.
Install
- Works in
Manual install
npm install -g github:capthvnsen/alans-wayThe standalone server install from the Alan's CU MCP section. Then add a `workspace-mcp` entry with `--bot-id` to the client configuration.
Access and checks
How we reviewBroad accessThe tool can change data, run commands or handle secrets.
- The server drives real Chromium tabs and native Mac apps, and the app is granted screen and input permissions for that.
This is third-party code. Review the repository files before installing.
What it does
Alan's Way is a set of four products for agents working on a computer and a VM. For connecting an agent the second one matters: Alan's CU MCP, also known as `workspace-mcp`, a shared Node computer-use server. It exposes browser tools prefixed `cua_alans_way_` and native app tools prefixed `workspace_computer_`, and any MCP-capable client can connect to it. The server works together with the Alan's Workspace Mac app: real Chromium tabs are split between agents, each with its own cursor, and the user can take control. For a remote machine there is a desktop viewer and a lid-close handoff to a VM. The set also has plugins for Hermes and Grok Bot, which live in a neighboring repository.
Who it is for. Users of Hermes agents and other MCP clients who need an agent to work on its own in the browser and apps on a Mac.
Good fit when
- An agent must open a browser tab, fill in a page and return the result.
- A native Mac app must be driven by the agent.
- Several agents each need their own tab and cursor so they do not get in each other's way.
- The laptop is closed and a virtual machine continues the started browser work.
Not a fit when
- You need only search or page reading: an ordinary browser MCP is enough.
- Work does not happen on a Mac: native control targets macOS, other systems have separate app builds.
- The agent must not get screen and input access: the server drives real tabs and apps.
Example request
Open the order page in the Alan's Workspace browser, fill in the form from my file data and show the resulting page.MCP
- Transport
- stdio
- Authentication
- not required
Limitations
The server requires Node.js 22.12 or newer and a running app or a configured VM browser host. To drive native Mac apps the app is granted Accessibility and Screen Recording permissions. Each agent needs its own ID, and the connection token sits in a local private file and is not copied into client configuration. Remote routing and failover currently use scripts from the neighboring `alans-way-agents` repository. The Hermes plugin installs on the gateway host and may restart a service.
How to disable. Remove the `workspace-mcp` entry from the MCP client configuration and quit the app. Remove the global package with `npm uninstall -g alans-way`.
FAQ
How do I install the MCP server on its own?
Run `npm install -g github:capthvnsen/alans-way`, then put the path to `desktop/scripts/browser-mcp.cjs` and `--bot-id` in the client configuration. Node.js 22.12 or newer is required.
Is Hermes required?
No. It is needed only for the Hermes plugin, while the CU MCP server connects to any MCP-capable client.
Which permissions does a Mac need?
The Alan's Workspace app gets Accessibility and Screen Recording to drive native apps. Browser tabs need neither.
Where is the connection token stored?
In a local private connection file. It is not copied into client JSON or posted in issues.
What happens when the laptop lid closes?
Browser work is rebuilt on the virtual machine over SSH through Tailscale. A live Chromium process is not migrated, and returning to the laptop is manual with the Move back button.
Discussion
No questions or reviews yet.
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README in short
The README describes four products: the Alan's Workspace app for Mac, iOS and other systems, the CU MCP server, a plugin for Hermes and a skill package for Grok Bot. The server lives in `desktop/scripts/browser-mcp.cjs`. Nearby are guides for remote agents, session handoff to a VM and credential upgrades.