MODULE 03 · COURSE 01: YOUR FIRST AI AGENT
Module 3: Before You Install — What You'll Need
No surprises. Here's exactly what you need before we touch a single command.
The checklist
✅ A computer running macOS or Linux
OpenClaw runs on Mac and Linux. Windows support exists via WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) but if you're on Windows, you'll want to get WSL set up first — it's free and straightforward, just not covered in this module.For a cloud server, any Linux VPS works. Ubuntu 22.04 or 24.04 is the most tested.
✅ Node.js version 22 or newer
OpenClaw is built on Node.js. You need version 22+.To check if you have it:
node --version
If you see v22.x.x or higher, you're good. If you don't have Node or it's older, install it at nodejs.org — grab the LTS version.
✅ An API key from an AI provider
You need this to power the AI brain. The most popular options:| Provider | Model | Get your key at | |----------|-------|-----------------| | Anthropic | Claude | console.anthropic.com | | OpenAI | GPT-4o | platform.openai.com |
For this course, we'll use Anthropic/Claude. Sign up, add some credits (start with $10 — it'll last a while), and grab your API key. It looks like: sk-ant-api03-...
Keep that key safe. Don't share it. Don't commit it to GitHub.
✅ A messaging app you actually use
Pick one to start:| App | Notes | |-----|-------| | Telegram | Easiest setup. Recommended for beginners. Free. | | Discord | Good if you're already in Discord all day. | | WhatsApp | Works great, slightly more involved setup. | | iMessage | Mac only. Requires BlueBubbles server. More advanced. |
Recommendation: Start with Telegram. The bot setup is the simplest and the integration is rock-solid.✅ 20-30 minutes
Seriously, that's all. The install itself is one command. The rest is connecting your messaging app and sending your first message.Optional but useful
A cloud server — If you want your agent running 24/7 without keeping your laptop open. You don't need this to start, but you'll want it eventually. Hetzner CAX11 (~$4/month) or Fly.io free tier are the most common choices in the community. A Telegram account — If you're going the Telegram route (recommended), make sure you have the app installed and an account ready.What you do NOT need
- Docker (helpful but not required)
- Programming experience
- Any existing server
- Any existing AI accounts (we set those up fresh)
A note on cost
People always ask: "How much does this cost?"
OpenClaw itself: free and open source.
API costs: pay as you go. For a single personal agent with moderate use, expect $2-10/month. Heavy use with multiple agents can run higher, but you have full visibility and control over what's being called.
Server (if you go cloud): $4-10/month depending on provider and spec.
Total for a solid setup: ~$10-15/month. Less than a streaming subscription, more useful than most of them.