# Key concepts

> Understand what runs the work, where it runs and who can access it.

Source: https://usefiretower.com/docs/concepts

One task, three parts

Example task **Fix the checkout timeout.**

[What does the work **Agent + profile + skills**

A configured agent starts a session.](https://usefiretower.com/docs/concepts-agents)[Where it runs **Workspace on a machine**

The session works with files there.](https://usefiretower.com/docs/concepts-work)[Who can access it **People + permissions**

Sharing controls access to resources.](https://usefiretower.com/docs/concepts-access)

The agent’s settings, working files and access rules are separate parts of the same task.

## Learn the vocabulary

**[Agents, profiles and skills](https://usefiretower.com/docs/concepts-agents)**

Agent, harness, model, account, profile, skill and agent team.

**[Workspaces and sessions](https://usefiretower.com/docs/concepts-work)**

Workspace, session, subagent and sub-workspace.

**[Machines and infrastructure](https://usefiretower.com/docs/architecture)**

Machine, worker, control plane and client.

**[Sharing and permissions](https://usefiretower.com/docs/concepts-access)**

Person, company team, resource, directory, ownership and access level.

**[Tasks and results](https://usefiretower.com/docs/concepts-results)**

Task, repository, branch, artifact and preview.

## Three distinctions to remember

-   **A profile is a saved setup.** A session is an agent using that setup to do work.
-   **A workspace contains files.** A Firetower directory groups resources for sharing.
-   **An agent team does the work.** A company team groups people for access.

Put it into practice [Run your first task](https://usefiretower.com/docs/first-run)