How to configure Hermes agent and what is it used for

There is an AI agent called Hermes (https://hermes-agent.nousresearch.com/). I have heard a lot about it and decided to set it up for myself. Now I will tell you how I configured it, what you need for this, and how it can be used in general.

Management of the Hermes agent is done through a chatbot on Telegram, WhatsApp, Discord, and other messengers — there are more than a dozen where it can be integrated. This means you simply give it tasks in free form, and it executes them. It also has a Web Dashboard where you can change settings or just monitor the status of components. But essentially, for most tasks, regular communication via the chatbot will suffice.

Installing Hermes

First, you will need a VPS with Ubuntu. Ideally something around $10 per month. For starters, 2 CPU cores and 2 GB of RAM will be enough. If you later start using skills that require more resources, the virtual machine can always be upgraded.

After purchasing the VPS, connect to it via SSH, update the system, and reboot the server.

sudo apt updatesudo apt upgrade -y 

You should also install auxiliary tools:

sudo apt install -y curl git build-essential

Next, create a separate user hermes so that the agent does not run under root.

adduser hermesusermod -aG sudo hermes 

Switch to the new user:

su - hermes 

And start the installation:

curl -fsSL https://hermes-agent.nousresearch.com/install.sh | bash 

From here, everything is quite simple — the installer will guide you on what to choose. However, there are a few important points.

Docker or Local Installation

When the installer asks how to install Hermes — locally or via Docker — I recommend choosing local installation.

Docker itself consumes additional memory and resources. If the VPS is only needed for Hermes, I don't see much point in using Docker.

Setting Up the Messenger

During installation, you will need to create a chatbot in the messenger you plan to use to manage Hermes and provide its token. The installer explains how to do this in detail.

But there is one nuance. For example, I live in Russia, where Telegram is blocked. However, I wanted to use Telegram specifically. Therefore, it's better to immediately choose a VPS in a country where Telegram works without restrictions.

Selecting an AI Model

Then Hermes will ask you to choose the AI through which it will operate.

And here is a very important point. Almost all models, if they are not run locally, are paid. And Hermes consumes a fair amount of tokens, so expenses can become quite significant.

There is a little lifehack using OpenAI (ChatGPT) as an example. If you choose it, Hermes will ask how to connect: via an API key or through Codex.

I recommend using Codex login and signing up for a regular Plus or Pro subscription.

Why is that? Because with a subscription, you pay a fixed amount (for example, $20 per month for Plus) and use it within the subscription limits. The limits are regularly updated, and you don't have to worry about how much money the agent has "eaten" already.

On the other hand, if you use the API key, Hermes will constantly deduct money for each request. If the agent is working actively, the expenses can be very high.

After Installation

That's it. Hermes is configured.

Now you can add family members so that everyone has their assistant, create your own skills, automations, and basically teach it everything you need. Most of the capabilities can even be learned directly from Hermes itself — just ask.

From here, you simply write to your bot in the messenger what needs to be done.

Here are a few examples of how I use it.

1. SEO Audit of Websites
   I have several websites. I assigned Hermes the task of conducting a full SEO analysis, finding errors and shortcomings, and then preparing a detailed report with recommendations for fixing them. It analyzed everything and provided a very detailed report.
2. Finding Medical Tests
   I gave it to my wife. She is having surgery soon and needed to get a lot of tests done. She asked Hermes to find the cheapest places to get them done in our area. It researched information online, compared prices, and provided a complete report with addresses, costs, and options nearby.
3. Voice Communication
4. I've also taught Hermes to speak in my voice. Honestly, I don't know why this is needed, but it looks very cool. 🙂
5. Morning News Summary
   

1. You can tell it something like: "I want you to gather the most important news every morning at 7:00 and send it to me." And it will do that. Moreover, it can gather information not only from the internet but also from Telegram channels and other sources.

1. Construction Monitoring
2. Currently, I have construction going on at my summer house. Hermes monitors the workers through cameras: when they arrive, when they leave, and what is happening at the site. Yes, this can also be done.
   

In short, Hermes can do a lot. And if there's something it can't do — it can almost always be taught. Just say what you want to automate and, in most cases, it will be able to do it.

For me, it is already practically a full-fledged personal assistant, to which I am gradually offloading all routine tasks — both work-related and domestic.

This is my personal experience. Perhaps it will be useful to someone. I constantly add new skills to Hermes, and over time it becomes more and more useful.