diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index b2853cc..7e34a8a 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -49,6 +49,40 @@ git checkout v0.2.7
 
 To verify what you downloaded, use the files in `hashes/` together with the local verification tools in this repository.
 
+## How to install c
+
+This repository is the implementation-facing starting point for a **local c-node candidate**.
+
+A c-node is not a chatbot, not a model endpoint, and not a cloud assistant. It is a local-first continuity substrate built around:
+
+- local custody of raw data;
+- bounded memory;
+- permissioned tools;
+- bounded agents;
+- witness logs;
+- budget limits;
+- oracle routing;
+- backup / restore;
+- human stop / freeze control.
+
+Start here:
+
+- Install guide: https://ivankotov.eu/install-c/
+- Minimum C-Node Profile: `docs/profiles/MINIMUM_C_NODE_PROFILE_v0.1.md`
+- Stable release: https://github.com/Kot141078/ester-clean-code/releases/tag/v0.2.7
+
+Recommended first path:
+
+```bash
+git clone https://github.com/Kot141078/ester-clean-code.git
+cd ester-clean-code
+git checkout v0.2.7
+python -m compileall ESTER
+python -m compileall modules
+```
+
+Use Codex or another coding agent only as a bounded reviewer / installer assistant. Do not paste secrets, private memory, tokens, or raw personal archives into external tools.
+
 ## For LLM-assisted reading
 
 Using an LLM to study this repository is normal and encouraged.