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OpenClaw Deployment Guide: Two Ways to Quickly Run a Computer-Use Agent

#ai #openclaw #llm #clawedbot

I. What Is OpenClaw?

As AI Agents evolve, more models are gaining Computer Use capabilities — AI doesn't just chat, it can operate a computer:

  • Browse web pages automatically
  • Fill out forms automatically
  • Execute tasks automatically

OpenClaw is an open-source framework for this: See the screen → Understand the interface → Operate the computer.

II. Why Do Many Deployments Fail?

Common pain points: complex dependencies, GPU requirements, difficult model config, long toolchain. A typical setup covers Python env → install deps → download model → configure API → configure Agent tools — high barrier for beginners.

This article covers two approaches: manual local deploy + online platform.

III. Method 1: Local Manual Deployment

Best for: developers and those who want full control.

1. Requirements

  • OS: macOS, Linux, or Windows (WSL2/Ubuntu strongly recommended for Windows)
  • Runtime: Node.js 22.x+
  • RAM: 2 GB min, 4 GB+ recommended

2. Deploy

Option A — Official one-click script (macOS/Linux/WSL2):

curl -fsSL https://openclaw.ai/install.sh | bash
# Then start with:
openclaw
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Option B — Manual NPM install (developers):

mkdir my-openclaw && cd my-openclaw
npx webclaw
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⚠️ On a VPS with < 2 GB RAM, add at least 4 GB Swap before npm install to avoid OOM kills.

3. Configure the LLM ("Brain")

Open dashboard at http://localhost:18789:

  • ☁️ Cloud API: Add API key for Claude / OpenAI / DeepSeek / Kimi. Recommended: Claude 3.5 Sonnet or DeepSeek-V3.
  • 🖥️ Local model: Use Ollama or LM Studio, point base URL to http://localhost:11434/v1.
  • SOUL.md: Write a detailed system prompt with the agent's identity and SOP — don't just say "you are a helpful assistant."

4. Connect a Channel

Telegram (recommended for beginners):

  1. Find @BotFather → /newbot → copy HTTP API Token
  2. Dashboard → Channels → Telegram → paste token → save
  3. Message your bot — it responds instantly

IV. Method 2: Online Platform Deployment

Platforms like Tencent Cloud, MiniMax, Prakasa, SetupClaw pre-configure the environment. You just: Register → Select OpenClaw template → Deploy — up in minutes. No dependency headaches.

V. Comparison

Local Deploy Online Platform
Difficulty High Low
Speed Slow Fast (minutes)
Cost Free (own hardware) Usually paid
Privacy High (data stays local) Platform-dependent
Customization Full control Limited
Best for Developers Beginners

VI. Summary

Computer Use is becoming the next major AI capability. OpenClaw lets AI operate software, execute tasks, and automate work. Quick experience? → Online platform. Deep research? → Local deployment.

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