# Datagram Desktop Application User Guide

The Datagram desktop application allows you to connect your computer to the Datagram Network and earn rewards in return for sharing unused computing resources. Once installed and active, the app runs silently in the background, using the system bandwidth and processing power that you aren’t using. It’s designed to operate with minimal effort from you while keeping your privacy fully protected.

### What the Application Does

The purpose of the application is to help route internet traffic through your machine by using underutilized computing power and your internet connection. This is done securely and without interfering with your normal activities. You remain in full control of what you share, and the application only uses the resources you allow.

When active, your device becomes part of the decentralized Datagram network. The more stable your internet connection and the longer your system stays online, the more rewards you can earn.

### Privacy and Data Protection

{% hint style="warning" %}
The Datagram desktop application does not monitor your personal activity or have access to any of your private data.
{% endhint %}

It only manages the bandwidth and compute resources that you explicitly authorize. Routing internet traffic through your IP address is completely separate from your personal internet use. No files, history, or system data are collected. Your privacy remains intact at all times.

### Getting Started

To begin using the Datagram application, download the latest version from the official release page. The application is available for **Windows**, **macOS**, and **Linux** systems.

After downloading and installing the application, open it and sign in with your existing Datagram account or create a new one.

The app may request permissions such as access to network interfaces or system-level resource settings. These are required for the application to run properly. Once setup is complete, the app runs in the background using only the resources you’ve authorized.

#### Supported Platforms and Setup Instructions

| Operating System | Setup Instuctions                                                                                                                                               | Download Link                                                                                                           |
| ---------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Windows**      | Follow the [Windows setup guide](/setup-datagram/desktop-application-setup-full-core-only/windows.md) to run the installer and sign in.                         | Download for [Windows](https://demo.datagram.network/#nodeOperator)                                                     |
| **macOS**        | Follow the [macOS setup guide](/setup-datagram/desktop-application-setup-full-core-only/mac-silicon-intel.md). Choose the correct version based on your system: | Download for [M-Chip](https://demo.datagram.network/#nodeOperator) / [x64](https://demo.datagram.network/#nodeOperator) |
| **Linux**        | Follow the [Linux setup guide](/setup-datagram/desktop-application-setup-full-core-only/ubuntu-linux.md) to set permissions and run the CLI.                    | Download for [Linux](https://demo.datagram.network/#nodeOperator)                                                       |

### Using the Application

After installation and sign-in, the application will begin contributing to the network using the resources you’ve allowed. You don’t need to configure anything manually. However, if needed, you can always pause or stop the application from within the interface.

To improve your contribution and earn more, ensure that:

* Your internet connection remains stable.
* Your system stays powered on for longer durations.
* You avoid interfering with the Datagram process when possible.

You can monitor your system’s contribution and view your earned rewards directly from the app dashboard.


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