Recommended by Zhou Xiaoma · Checked 2026-10-30
Why I recommend ShiGuang, a desktop AI assistant
I use ShiGuang regularly. What makes it worth recommending is that it connects AI conversations with tasks on your actual computer, rather than stopping at an answer to copy elsewhere.
Where it fits
- Working with your actual browser
- The companion extension reads pages and supports browser interaction using your current session. It is useful for account-only reports and page-based tasks, with explicit permission.
- Connecting Codex / Cursor to desktop work
- Its local MCP integration supports delegated tasks, review checkpoints, follow-up corrections and resuming. Keep code analysis with the coding agent and give ShiGuang a bounded browser or desktop task.
- Organizing local work
- The documented capabilities include desktop organization plans with confirmation and undo, natural-language reminders, and file metadata search. Start with a limited folder rather than whole-drive access.
- Server operations with clear scope
- SSH/SFTP connection management, interactive terminals and file transfers are available. Verify the host fingerprint and review commands; convenience does not replace operational judgment.
Start with a small, read-only task
- Check the GitHub release notes and Windows requirements before installing. The project currently targets Windows 10/11.
- Configure a supported model provider in Settings. API access and model charges depend on the provider you choose.
- Install the companion extension if you need to work with your signed-in browser. Start by summarizing one open page and checking its sources.
- For file or server tasks, specify the exact scope, require a plan first and approve consequential actions separately.
Useful does not mean unrestricted
- Browser access may act through your existing logins. Review the target account and avoid granting unrelated access.
- Local installation does not mean all processing stays local. Necessary task data is sent to your configured model provider.
- The README warns that connection passwords and key passphrases are stored in plaintext in the local database. Protect the application data directory.
- Inspect commands and file changes before approval. Cancelling a local wait does not guarantee a remote process has stopped.