> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://vida.io/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# What is a Computer Agent?

> Understand how Computer Agents differ from conversational Agents and how they work together.

A Vida Computer Agent completes work in software, not just conversations. It can use connected skills, a browser, files, memory, and other tools to carry out a defined task and return evidence of what happened.

## Computer Agents and conversational Agents

Both use Vida Agent instructions and intelligence settings, but they are designed for different kinds of work.

|                  | Conversational Agent                                         | Computer Agent                                                                         |
| ---------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Primary job      | Talk with customers by phone, text, email, or chat           | Complete operational work using software and connected services                        |
| Typical timing   | Respond during a live conversation or communication workflow | Work from chat, a Task, a repeating schedule, or a delegated request                   |
| Capabilities     | Voice, messaging, functions, apps, and conversation context  | Skills, browser workflows, workspace files, memory, channels, and tools                |
| Result           | A conversation and any functions it performed                | A linked work conversation containing progress, tool activity, and the final result    |
| Additional setup | Publish the Agent and connect communication channels         | Provision the Computer, then connect the skills, accounts, and browser access it needs |

## How they work together

A conversational Agent can delegate work to a Computer Agent with the [Browser](/docs/functions/browser) or [Computer](/docs/functions/computer) function. This lets the conversational Agent stay focused on the customer while the Computer Agent handles work in another system.

For example, a voice Agent can collect a caller's information and ask a Computer Agent to update an account, research an issue, or complete a prepared browser workflow.

## Good Computer Agent work

Computer Agents are most useful for work with a clear outcome and a way to verify success, such as:

* reviewing account activity and preparing an operations summary
* updating records across connected systems
* performing a repeatable browser workflow
* monitoring an inbox or shared channel and handling approved requests
* preparing files, research, or reports
* running scheduled checks and reporting material changes

Start with a narrow workflow. Add more access and autonomy only after the Agent consistently produces the right result.

<Note>
  Building or operating Computer Agents through the API? See [Computer Agent configuration](/docs/api-reference/agent-guides/computer-agents).
</Note>