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diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 0cf772d..449e1a0 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -3,6 +3,8 @@
 [[domain virtual-assembly]] offers optional shell accounts for members.
 User must provide contact information.
 
+A shell account provides access to a command-line text console interface.
+
 
 ## Privacy
 
diff --git a/USE.md b/USE.md
index e5774bd..38815a4 100644
--- a/USE.md
+++ b/USE.md
@@ -3,6 +3,10 @@
 As member of [[org Virtual Assembly]]
 you can get a shell account at [[!host shell.virtual-assembly.org]].
 
+A shell account provides you a "home" at the system,
+that you can access with a command-line console interface
+either interactively or automated by scripts.
+
 You need to [[contact sysadmins]] to get your shell account created.
 Provide your full name, email, and cellphone number,
 which is shared with all users