McBride Core AI Network
Rook logo
McBride Core AIfeaturing Rook + Rook Lite
 Get Rook + Lite

Beginner-friendly AI • Windows desktop app • Ollama guided setup

Step into AI without the command-line confusion.

McBride Core AI featuring Rook is built for people who want to try AI without first learning command prompts, APIs, model jargon, or developer tools. Download Rook, follow the setup path, choose a model, and start learning AI from your own AI assistant. One purchase now includes both Rook and Rook Lite, so you can choose the full command interface or the streamlined minimalist edition.

Get Rook + Lite Explore features
Simple AI starting point Guided Ollama setup One purchase, two editions Choose-your-price release
Rook desktop application interface screenshot
Start simpleYou do not need to understand LLMs, APIs, or command-line setup before getting started.
Rook points the wayIf Ollama is not already installed, the Rook installer opens the Ollama download page during setup.
Grow as you goOnce a model is running, you can ask Rook to teach you more about AI from inside Rook itself.

Why Rook exists

Built to make AI less intimidating.

Rook is designed for people who are curious about AI but do not want to start with a terminal, confusing install steps, or a pile of new terms. Rook gives you a cleaner starting point, then helps you grow into more powerful AI workflows as you learn.

A quick look at the mission

Rook helps beginners step into AI with less friction.

This visual sums up the direction behind Rook: a cleaner, more welcoming starting point for people who want to get into AI without first becoming command-line experts.

Promotional poster for Rook showing beginner-friendly AI positioning and the McBride Core AI website address.

Choose your Rook

One purchase. Two ways to work.

Your Gumroad purchase now includes both Rook and Rook Lite. They share the same AI foundation, but they present it in two different styles so you can choose the interface that fits how you work.

Screenshot of the full Rook interface showing the immersive command-center style layout.
Rook logo

Rook

The full command interface

Best for users who want the complete Rook experience

Rook is the full visual command-center edition. It brings the complete Rook identity, immersive interface styling, and the full local AI command experience into one desktop app.

  • Full visual command-center feel
  • Best for users who want the complete Rook environment
  • Strong fit for immersive local AI workflows
  • Uses the full Rook presentation and branding style
Screenshot of Rook Lite showing the streamlined minimalist interface.
Rook Lite logo

Rook Lite

The streamlined command interface

Best for beginners and users who prefer a cleaner workspace

Rook Lite is the minimalist edition. It keeps the same core capability while focusing on simplicity, clarity, and more open workspace for users who want less visual clutter.

  • Minimalist design with a cleaner layout
  • More open workspace and context room
  • Great for beginners and focused workflows
  • Built for users who prefer simplicity over visual complexity

One purchase includes both editions.

Buy once, then choose the interface that feels right for you. Use full Rook for the complete command experience, or switch to Rook Lite for a more streamlined, focused layout.

Get Both Editions

Same AI foundation. Two ways to work.

Both editions support the same main workflow goals: getting Windows users into AI more easily through Ollama, keeping projects organized, saving important details, and helping users grow from beginner to more capable AI workflows.

Five AI brains Ollama local models Compatible cloud models through Ollama Project workspace Memory system Saved chat sessions Image attachments Large text attachments

Core features

A simple start, with room to grow.

Five helpful modes

Use Fast, Standard, Critical Thinking, Coder, and Raw modes as simple lanes for different kinds of AI work.

Local and cloud options

Start with Ollama models and choose local or supported cloud-connected models depending on the task.

Project workspace

Keep notes, context, and progress connected to the thing you are actually working on.

Remember useful details

Save hardware notes, preferences, project facts, and important details so Rook can stay more useful over time.

Keep your conversations

Return to previous chats and continue learning instead of starting over every time.

Attach images and text

Send images to vision-capable models or attach large pasted text without making the chat messy.

Easy onboarding

Download Rook first. Let it point you in the right direction.

Rook is built for people who may not know what Ollama, LLMs, APIs, or command-line tools are yet. If Ollama is not already installed, the Rook installer opens the Ollama download page during setup so the path is easier to follow.

1
Download Rook
Grab the installer and launch setup like a normal Windows app.
2
Installer checks the basics
If you do not already have Ollama, the installer opens the Ollama download page to help you get it installed.
3
Pick your model and start
Connect Rook to your Ollama models, assign them to brains, and begin working.
Rook Installer Ready
────────────────────
• Install Rook
• Open Ollama download page if needed
• Launch getting-started notes
• Connect to your available models

Result:
Download Rook first.
The installer helps point you
toward Ollama.
Then ask Rook to teach you
what comes next.

V1 bundle pricing

Choose your price.

$4+
pay what you want

Rook V1 is intended as an affordable starting point for people who want to explore AI without being overwhelmed. One purchase includes both Rook and Rook Lite, so you can choose the full command interface or the streamlined minimalist edition while paying what you want with a $4 minimum.

Get Rook + Lite Pay What You Want

Includes Rook + Rook Lite • Available now through Gumroad • Pay what you want • $4 minimum.

Before installing

System requirements

Required

  • Windows computer
  • Ollama installed and running
  • At least one compatible Ollama model

Recommended

  • Modern multi-core CPU
  • 16 GB RAM or more
  • NVIDIA GPU for stronger local AI performance
  • 12 GB+ VRAM preferred for larger models

Good to know

  • Rook is the interface, not the AI model itself
  • Performance depends on your hardware and model choice
  • Private work is best kept on local models

Questions

FAQ

Does Rook include AI models?

No. Rook is the friendly desktop interface. It connects to models through Ollama and helps make the experience easier to start using.

Does Rook support cloud models?

Yes. Rook supports local Ollama models and supported cloud-connected Ollama models, so you can choose the right fit for the task.

Does one purchase include both Rook and Rook Lite?

Yes. The current V1 purchase includes both editions. You get the full Rook command interface and the streamlined Rook Lite edition in the same purchase.

What is the difference between Rook and Rook Lite?

They share the same core direction and workflow goals, but they differ in presentation. Rook is the full visual command-center experience, while Rook Lite is the simplified, minimalist edition with a cleaner layout and more open workspace.

Do users need to install Ollama first?

No. You can download Rook first. If Ollama is not already installed, the Rook installer opens the Ollama download page during setup to help you get started.

Is Rook beginner-friendly?

Yes. Rook is built for people who are curious about AI but do not want to start by learning command prompts, APIs, or technical model setup. Once you have a model running, you can ask Rook to explain AI concepts from inside Rook itself.

What does “choose your price” mean?

The V1 release is meant to work with a pay-what-you-want style payment flow, with a low entry point and the option for supporters to pay more.

Is this finished commercial software?

V1 should be presented honestly as an early public release or beta: usable, polished, and real, but still early in the product’s life.