What is a server?
A computer that runs your assistant while your laptop is closed.
Knowledge base
Guides to server setup, dashboard controls, Hermes and backups.
54 practical questions, organised into six topics.
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Servers & hosting
Choose a compatible VPS and understand its costs and access.
What is a VPS?
A virtual machine with its own operating system, storage and administrator access.
How much does running a server cost?
Budget for the dashboard plan, your hosting bill and AI usage.
Which server provider should I choose?
Check Ubuntu support, renewal prices, storage and recovery access.
Which server plan should I choose?
Match the server resources to the setup requirements and your workload.
Which Ubuntu version do I need?
Use a version and architecture accepted by the setup checks.
Do I need to know Linux?
You need basic server knowledge or someone who can help.
What do I need before I start?
Prepare your Ubuntu VPS, administrator access, AI connection and Telegram.
Can I use my existing server?
Yes, if the server and its existing software pass the compatibility checks.
Setup
Install Hermes and connect AI access and Telegram.
How do I get started?
Create an account, connect the server, then connect AI and Telegram.
What is the installation code?
An account-specific code that connects your server to the dashboard.
Where do I paste the setup command?
Use a terminal connected to the Ubuntu server you want to set up.
What does the setup command do?
It checks the server, connects the dashboard and prepares Hermes.
How long does setup take?
Setup time depends on your server and the connections you need to add.
Do I need to type Linux commands?
Run the initial setup command, then use the available dashboard controls.
What should I do if setup fails?
Check the failed step before retrying or changing the server.
Can I use more than one assistant or server?
The dashboard plan connects one server; extra applications are your own configuration.
What happens after installation?
Test Hermes, then check the server status and dashboard controls.
Your assistant
Configure tasks, models, messaging and connected tools.
What is an AI assistant?
Software that uses an AI model, tools and memory to carry out tasks.
What are Hermes and OpenClaw?
They are separate assistant products; SmarterBrain’s setup uses Hermes.
Which assistant software should I choose?
Use Hermes with the SmarterBrain setup flow.
How do I talk to my assistant?
Connect Telegram, then message your assistant with a task.
What can my assistant do?
Research, email, diary tasks, ongoing projects and scheduled work.
What is an AI model?
The model provides the reasoning; Hermes connects it to tools and context.
What happens when I reach an AI limit?
New model work stops when a funded key has no available allowance.
Do I need my own AI provider account?
Use a supported provider connection or the prepaid access offered in setup.
Can I change tools or models later?
Yes. Check compatibility, permissions and costs when changing your setup.
Privacy & control
Understand server access, credentials and data flows.
Where do my passwords and keys go?
Your provider account stays with you; assistant connections have separate data flows.
What can the dashboard see?
Server status, compatibility and the results of supported actions.
What permissions does the dashboard agent have?
Defined server actions, using an identity separate from Hermes.
How do I disconnect SmarterBrain?
Use the local uninstaller and check your subscription separately.
Does SmarterBrain collect my conversations?
Dashboard reporting does not collect assistant conversations.
Is my data sold or shared?
Dashboard data is not sold; service providers receive data needed for their roles.
Who holds the hosting account?
You hold it on Free and Plus; Hosted uses SmarterBrain’s account.
What is a capability token?
A credential for the dashboard agent’s defined operations.
Who administers the server?
You administer it. SmarterBrain supplies dashboard controls.
Server administration
Read status, run updates and configure available settings.
What status does the dashboard show?
Host health, compatibility and the result of supported actions.
How do alerts work?
Alerts tell you about reported status; you decide what action to take.
What is a security update?
A software update that fixes a known vulnerability.
What if the disk fills up?
Check what uses the space before deleting files or increasing storage.
Why has my assistant stopped replying?
Check AI access, Telegram, the Hermes process and the server.
What does a restart do?
Restarting Hermes and rebooting the server have different effects.
Who decides when the server changes?
You choose actions and configure any schedules.
How do scheduled updates work?
On Plus, choose the supported updates and a schedule.
What if the server fails while I am away?
Use your alerts, provider access and recovery plan to investigate.
Backups & help
Arrange backups, recover data and investigate problems.
What is an encrypted backup?
A separate recovery copy protected by an encryption key.
Who can read my backup?
It depends on the backup tool, its encryption and who holds the keys.
How do I restore a backup?
Follow the restore process for your chosen backup tool or provider.
What happens to my backups if I leave?
Your backup service and its retention rules stay separate from SmarterBrain.
How do I spot a suspicious message?
Check the sender and destination before sharing information or running a command.
What should I check before running a setup command?
Use the current command from your account on the intended server.
What should I do when an action fails?
Record the failed step and error message before making another change.
How do I contact SmarterBrain?
Send a question by email or prepare a draft on the contact page.
What is free, and what costs extra?
Free has basic dashboard controls; Plus adds scheduling, settings and AI credits.