>When you start SPX Graphics Controller for the first time, here's what to expect.
Starting the [[Documentation/Graphics Controller/Overview|SPX Graphics Controller]] for the first time is a seamless process designed to get you from installation to your first graphic in minutes. The application automatically initializes your environment by launching your default browser, generating a fresh [[Documentation/Server/Configurations|configuration file]], and providing demo content to help you learn the ropes. Whether you are setting up a secure production server or a local development environment, the initial launch sequence guides you through the essential choices, such as your login policy and [[Documentation/Graphics Controller/Project Settings|project]] structure, ensuring the system is ready for your specific workflow.
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# Automatic Browser Launch
When the app starts for the very first time, a default browser is launched with the SPX user interface open. In subsequent server starts, use a web browser (such as Chrome) and load SPX GUI from the URL shown in the console at startup.
The default URL is typically:
```
http://127.0.0.1:5656
```
> [!note] Port 5656 is the default value in config and can be changed in the [[Documentation/Server/Configurations|configuration file]].
You'll see a message in the console:
```
╭───────────────────────────╮
│ Open SPX in a browser: │
│ http://127.0.0.1:5656 │
╰───────────────────────────╯
```
# Login Policy Configuration
If installation and server startup worked, you should see a Config screen in your browser asking about user access preferences.
![[Pasted image 20260129104954.png]]
There are two alternatives:
## Option 1: Require Login (YES)
- Username and password are required to access the application
- More secure for production environments
- Password is stored encrypted in the config file
## Option 2: No Login (NO)
- Application will not require a login
- Faster access for local development
- Less secure - anyone with network access can control SPX
# When is the Config Screen Shown?
The login policy configuration screen appears:
- At first startup
- When `config.json` is missing
- When `config.json` has a username but password is left empty
# After Configuration
Depending on your selection:
1. **If you chose login**: You'll be asked to enter username and password
2. **If you chose no login**: You'll land on the Welcome page and can explore the application
# Default Content
By default, the dataroot has one "Hello world" [[Documentation/Graphics Controller/Project Settings|project]] with "My First Rundown" in it for demonstration purposes. This helps you understand how SPX works before creating your own content.
# Next Steps
After completing the first launch setup:
1. Explore the default "Hello world" project
2. Follow the [Quick Start](Quick%20Start.md) to create your first graphic
3. Review [Configuration](Application%20Configuration.md) to customize SPX for your needs
# Auto-Launch Browser
You can configure SPX to automatically open the browser on every startup by setting `general.launchBrowser = true` in the [[Documentation/Server/Configurations|config file]]. This is set to `false` by default.
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# Read Next
- [[Guides/Getting Started/Quick Start|Quick Start]] - Create your first graphic step-by-step
- [[Documentation/Graphics Controller/Application Configuration|Application Configuration]] - Customize SPX for your needs
- [[Documentation/Graphics Controller/Overview|Graphics Controller Overview]] - Understand the SPX interface
- [[Guides/Tutorials/My first HTML template|My first HTML template]] - Create your own templates