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Start from scratch

Rent a blank computer, install Hermes, and make the choices yourself. The hosting account is yours from day one.

Choose the machine Browse starter packs instead

The setup

Set up the smallest version first

You need a machine, a model, short instructions, and one place to talk to the agent. A dedicated Mac mini is not required.

  1. 1

    Rent the machine

    This guide recommends Agent37 because it can provision a persistent cloud computer with Hermes already installed. You do not have to set up a server first.

    Rent a machine on Agent37 This is an AgentMarkit referral link. AgentMarkit may earn money if you use it.
  2. 2

    Pick a model

    Agent37 lets you bring your own API key, and some plans include bundled models. Check the plan's usage limits or set a spending limit with your model provider before scheduling work.

  3. 3

    Give it a job

    Hermes calls its basic instructions a soul. Keep it short at first: the job, how it should communicate, what requires approval, and what it should never touch.

  4. 4

    Choose where to talk to it

    Start with the built-in chat or one chat interface you already use. More channels can wait.

Then stop configuring.

Give it one real task and see what breaks. Memory, schedules, inboxes, and extra plugins make more sense after the basic loop works.

Your first test

Make the first task boring and checkable

Good first tasks have an obvious finish line. Ask for a short research brief with sources, an inventory of files you provide, or a draft you plan to review.

Before it starts

  • Say which files or websites it may use.
  • Say what it may not send, publish, delete, or buy.
  • Ask it to show what it did.

After it finishes

  • Check the result yourself.
  • Look at model usage before scheduling anything.
  • Change one instruction at a time.

Later

Memory can wait

Memori and Honcho are on the AgentMarkit test list, but neither is ready to recommend for this setup. First decide what the agent should remember, what should expire, and what should never be stored.

Want someone there while you set it up?

The workshop follows this same route with help at each step. You still rent the machine and keep the accounts in your name.

See the workshop Browse starter packs