Deployment paths

Choose by goal first, then let AI handle the installation details.

V1 keeps only three beginner-friendly defaults: fastest feedback, low-cost trial, and stable long-term use. Pick the goal before choosing hardware, cloud, or Docker.

Compare the three defaults

Do not choose by operating system first. Choose by goal.

The same user may choose different environments depending on whether they want speed, low cost, or long-term stability.

Path 1 needs_review

Run Hermes the fastest

This path is for the user who wants the shortest route from zero to a visible Hermes session. It favors a Mac or Mac mini because the first goal is fast local feedback, not production-like operations.

Recommended baseline: Mac / Mac mini
Best for: Users who already have a Mac or can buy a Mac mini · Users who want fewer cloud, firewall, and SSH variables at the start
Avoid if: Users who need public network access from day one · Users who cannot keep the Mac powered on and reachable
Doc Pack: Doc Pack: Fastest Mac / Mac mini start

Open path Open pack

Path 2 needs_review

Try Hermes at low cost

This path is for a learner who wants a remote Linux host and a clear cost ceiling before investing in dedicated hardware.

Recommended baseline: Tencent Cloud / Alibaba Cloud server
Best for: Users who want to control cost before buying hardware · Users who need remote access and public IP from the beginning
Avoid if: Users who are not comfortable managing a server at all · Users who need high performance or heavy workloads immediately
Doc Pack: Doc Pack: Low-cost domestic cloud server

Open path Open pack

Path 3 needs_review

Run Hermes long term

This path is for a user who wants Hermes to become a maintained environment instead of a one-time experiment.

Recommended baseline: Server + Docker or dedicated Mac mini
Best for: Users ready to keep Hermes running beyond a short test · Users who need repeatable maintenance and backups
Avoid if: Users who have not yet completed a basic test run · Users who cannot monitor uptime, logs, cost, and backups
Doc Pack: Doc Pack: Stable server Docker or dedicated Mac mini

Open path Open pack