Linux MCP Server
AI-driven Linux desktop control via Model Context Protocol.
Overview
Linux MCP Server exposes Linux desktop operations (file management, app control, clipboard, notifications) as MCP tools. AI assistants can use these tools to perform actions on behalf of the user.
Architecture
AI Assistant (Claude, Ollama, etc.)
│
│ MCP (HTTP+SSE)
▼
Linux MCP Server (Python)
│
├── Safety Layer (Safe/Elevated/Blocked permissions)
│
└── Tools: file_read, app_launch, clipboard, notifications
Security Model
| Level | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| SAFE | No confirmation needed | Read files, launch apps, clipboard |
| ELEVATED | Requires user confirmation | Write files, run shell commands |
| BLOCKED | Never allowed | sudo, kernel access |
All AI-initiated actions are logged to an audit trail.
Quick Start
Installation
pip install linux-mcp
Run
# Set compositor auth key (optional but recommended)
export LINUX_MCP_COMPOSITOR_KEY="your-secret-key"
# Start the MCP server
linux-mcp
Connect to Claude Desktop
Add to ~/.claude-desktop-config.json:
{
"mcpServers": {
"linux-desktop": {
"command": "uvx",
"args": ["linux-mcp"],
"env": {
"LINUX_MCP_COMPOSITOR_KEY": "your-secret-key"
}
}
}
}
Available Tools
File Operations
file_read- Read file contentsfile_list- List directoryfile_write(ELEVATED) - Write files
App Control
app_launch- Launch applications
System
clipboard_read- Read clipboardnotification_send- Send notificationssettings_get/settings_set- System settings
Development
# Clone and install
git clone https://github.com/YOUR_USER/linux-mcp.git
cd linux-mcp
pip install -e ".[dev]"
# Run tests
pytest tests/ -v
# Run in dev mode
python -m linux_mcp
License
MIT