Optimized OpenClaw Tutorial

OpenClaw is an open-source AI assistant that runs on your computer, connects to messaging apps like Telegram, and automates tasks such as managing your calendar, sending emails, or researching topics. It uses AI models to do things rather than just chat. This tutorial is designed for non-coders, focusing on a simple, free setup using the Kimi 2.5 model via NVIDIA's free Moonshot API — no paid tokens required.

Requirements

Before starting, ensure you have:

A computer running Windows 10/11 or macOS Ventura or later
At least 8 GB RAM (16 GB recommended for smooth performance)
Internet connection for initial setup and API calls
A free NVIDIA Developer account (for the Kimi 2.5 API)
A Telegram account (for chatting with your AI assistant)

Item	Windows	macOS	Notes
Node.js	Download from nodejs.org (LTS version)	Download from nodejs.org (LTS version)	Install with default settings; enables running OpenClaw
Git	Download from git-scm.com	Pre-installed or via Xcode Command Line Tools	Used to download OpenClaw code
Terminal	Command Prompt or PowerShell (built-in)	Terminal (built-in)	No coding needed — just copy-paste commands
API Key	Free from NVIDIA Moonshot		Sign up at build.nvidia.com
Messaging App	Telegram (desktop or mobile)		Free and easy — simplest option for beginners

20–30

minutes

That's the initial setup time — after that, OpenClaw runs free indefinitely for light personal use. No VPS or advanced tech needed — runs locally on your machine.

Step-by-step installation

Install Prerequisites

Install Node.js

Go to nodejs.org and download the LTS version.
Run the installer and click "Next" through the defaults. Restart your computer if prompted.
Verify: Open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS) and type node -v. You should see a version number.

Install Git

Windows: Download from git-scm.com and install with defaults.
macOS: Open Terminal and type git --version. If not installed, it will prompt you to install Xcode tools — follow the prompts.
Verify: Type git --version in your terminal.

Download and Install OpenClaw

Open your terminal (Command Prompt on Windows, Terminal on macOS) and run these commands one by one:

                    
                    # 1. Create a folder for OpenClaw

                    mkdir openclaw

                    cd openclaw

                    # 2. Download the code (include the dot at the end)

                    git clone https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw.git .

                    # 3. Install dependencies (2-5 minutes)

                    npm install

                    # 4. Start OpenClaw

                    npm start

During startup, OpenClaw asks for a name for your assistant (e.g., "MyAI"). Skip optional features like voice for now.

Configure the Free API (Kimi 2.5 via NVIDIA Moonshot)

Sign up for a free NVIDIA account at build.nvidia.com if you don't have one.
Search for "Kimi 2.5" in the NVIDIA catalog and generate an API key (free, no credit card needed).
In OpenClaw's startup prompts (or edit config.json in your openclaw folder using Notepad/TextEdit):

                    
                    // Settings to define in config.json

                    "model": "kimi-k2.5"

                    "apiKey": "YOUR_NVIDIA_KEY"

                    "baseURL": "https://api.moonshot.ai/v1"

Restart OpenClaw: press Ctrl+C, then run npm start again.

This setup uses free API calls — limits apply (~100 queries/day), but it's ideal for personal use without any cost.

Connect to Telegram for Easy Interaction

① Download Telegram from telegram.org if not installed.
② In Telegram, search for @BotFather and start a chat.
③ Type /newbot and follow prompts (e.g., name it "MyOpenClawBot"). Copy the token provided.
④ In OpenClaw's config: set "channel": "telegram" and paste the bot token.
⑤ Start a chat with your new bot in Telegram. Send "Hello" to test — your AI should respond!

Your AI assistant is now live in Telegram, accessible from Windows, macOS, or mobile.

Concrete, Useful Examples

Here are three practical examples to get started. Send these as messages in Telegram. OpenClaw breaks tasks into steps, uses tools, and acts autonomously.

Example 1: Automate Daily Morning Briefs

Send this message in Telegram:

"Set up a daily morning brief at 8 AM: Include weather for [your city], top 3 news headlines, and my calendar for the day. Use free web search if needed."

What happens: OpenClaw schedules a recurring "heartbeat" task using its built-in scheduler. It pulls weather from free APIs, news via web search, and calendar if you connect Google Calendar.

Why useful: Starts your day informed without manual checks.

Customisation: Add "include stock prices for AAPL and GOOG" for market updates.

To connect Google Calendar: Go to console.cloud.google.com, create a project, enable the Calendar API, get credentials, then add your Google API key to config.

Example 2: Manage Emails and Calendar

Send this message in Telegram:

"Check my inbox for unread emails, summarise important ones, and add any meetings to my calendar. Use my Gmail account."

What happens: OpenClaw uses browser automation or email skills to log in (you'll approve once), scan emails, summarise, and update your calendar.

Step	Action	Expected Output
1	Send message above	AI confirms and asks for login (one-time).
2	AI processes	"Summarised 5 emails: Meeting at 2 PM added to calendar."
3	Follow-up	"Prioritise emails from boss@company.com" for refinement.

For Gmail, enable IMAP in Google settings. OpenClaw stores your credentials encrypted.

Example 3: Research and Report Generation

Send this message in Telegram:

"Research the best free productivity tools for non-coders on Windows and macOS. Create a report with top 5, pros/cons, and links. Format as a simple table."

What happens: OpenClaw uses built-in web search skills (free via Brave Search API — get a free key at brave.com/search/api), compiles the info and sends a formatted response.

Example output generated by the AI:

Tool	Pros	Cons	Link
Notion	Free tier, easy notes/databases	Learning curve for advanced features	notion.so
Trello	Visual boards, simple drag-drop	Limited free integrations	trello.com
Todoist	Cross-platform, natural language input	Premium for reminders	todoist.com
Evernote	Note-taking with search	Free limits storage	evernote.com
Google Keep	Completely free, syncs with Google	Basic features only	keep.google.com

Customisation: Add "focus on AI tools" for targeted results.

Tips for Optimisation and Safety

Run 24/7

Use Task Scheduler (Windows) or Automator (macOS) to auto-start OpenClaw on boot.

Add Skills

Browse clawhub.ai for free community skills (e.g., stock checker). Install by copying SKILL.md files to your openclaw/skills folder — no code needed.

Memory Boost

Send: "Remember my preferences: Always use bullet points in responses" to build long-term memory.

Security

Run on a dedicated user account. Avoid sharing sensitive logins. Use a VPN if concerned about IP blocks.

Troubleshooting: If stuck, check logs in the terminal or visit docs.openclaw.ai for FAQs.

Updates: Periodically run git pull in your openclaw folder to get the latest features.

Ready to automate your life?

20–30 minutes to set up, then free indefinitely for light use. Experiment with messages — OpenClaw learns from interactions!

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Requirements

Step-by-step installation

Install Prerequisites

Download and Install OpenClaw

Configure the Free API (Kimi 2.5 via NVIDIA Moonshot)

Connect to Telegram for Easy Interaction

Concrete, Useful Examples

Example 1: Automate Daily Morning Briefs

Example 2: Manage Emails and Calendar

Example 3: Research and Report Generation

Tips for Optimisation and Safety

Run 24/7

Add Skills

Memory Boost

Security

Ready to automate your life?

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