{"id":143805,"date":"2026-04-24T13:47:27","date_gmt":"2026-04-24T13:47:27","guid":{"rendered":"\/ca\/tutorials\/how-to-set-up-hermes-agent"},"modified":"2026-04-24T13:47:27","modified_gmt":"2026-04-24T13:47:27","slug":"how-to-set-up-hermes-agent","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"\/ca\/tutorials\/how-to-set-up-hermes-agent","title":{"rendered":"How to set up Hermes Agent with Docker"},"content":{"rendered":"

Setting up Hermes Agent means deploying it as a Docker container on a virtual private server (VPS), running the setup wizard to choose an LLM provider, and confirming everything works with a quick chat session.<\/p>

Hermes Agent is an always-on, self-improving AI agent. It learns from your interactions and builds reusable skills over time. Once it completes a task, it uses that experience to handle similar ones better next time.<\/p>

You can install Hermes Agent directly on a server using the native curl installer, but Docker works better for VPS deployments. It keeps the agent isolated from your host system, and updating later is as simple as pulling a new image.<\/p>

Here’s how to set up Hermes Agent on a VPS using Docker:<\/p>

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  1. Prepare your server<\/strong>. Get a VPS with at least 2 CPU cores and 8 GB of RAM. Use a Linux distribution like Ubuntu.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Deploy the container<\/strong>. Use Hostinger’s application catalog for a one-click install, or pull the Docker image manually if you’re using another VPS provider.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Configure your LLM provider<\/strong>. Run the setup wizard, select a provider, enter your API key, and choose a model.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Test a CLI conversation<\/strong>. Make sure the agent responds correctly and can use tools before you add anything else.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Add models, connect a gateway, and configure tools<\/strong>. Set up additional LLM providers, add Telegram, Discord, or other platforms, and enable the toolsets you need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Harden your deployment<\/strong>. Set up Tirith command scanning, configure gateway allowlists, and add firewall rules to secure your setup.<\/li>\n<\/ol>

    1. Prepare your VPS environment<\/h2>

    To run <\/a>Hermes Agent<\/a>, you need a server with a Linux distribution (Ubuntu works best), plus root access and a stable internet connection.<\/p>

    Aim for a VPS plan with at least 2 CPU cores<\/strong> and 8 GB of RAM<\/strong>. This setup handles Docker isolation and the gateway process comfortably. The container itself uses around 1 GB of RAM, or 2–4 GB if you enable browser automation.<\/p>

    After purchasing your VPS, connect to it via SSH and update your system packages:<\/p>

    sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y<\/pre>
    This helps prevent dependency conflicts when installing Docker and Hermes Agent’s components.<\/p>
    You should also secure and <\/a>prepare your VPS<\/a>. Create a dedicated user, adjust permissions, and enable public key authentication for safer access.<\/p>
    2. Deploy Hermes Agent with Docker<\/h2>
    Docker packages Hermes Agent and all its dependencies into a single container, so you don’t need to install Python or Node.js or manually configure environment variables.<\/p>
    There are a few ways to get it running, depending on your setup.<\/p>
    If you don’t have a VPS yet, the fastest and easiest option is to use <\/a>Hostinger’s Hermes Agent<\/a> template. Choose your preferred plan, complete the payment, and the system installs everything automatically.<\/p>
    During setup, you’ll create a username and password to access the Hermes Agent web terminal.<\/p>
    Once the installation finishes, you’ll land in the Docker Manager<\/strong>, where Hermes Agent appears as a Docker project. Click Open<\/strong> next to it, then log in using the credentials you created earlier.<\/p>
    \"The