Your Own AI Assistant on a VPS
A 19-lesson curriculum that takes you from zero to a fully operational AI assistant running on your own server — connected to Telegram, powered by ChatGPT Pro, backed by Gitea.
Start Lesson 1What You'll Build
OpenClaw on a Vultr VPS, connected to Telegram, powered by your ChatGPT Pro subscription, with memory, scheduled updates, your own domain, and a private Gitea instance.
What It Costs
~$33/month for the VPS + $212.80/month for ChatGPT Pro (which doubles as your chat tool and your OpenClaw's brain). One-time domain cost of ~$12/year.
What You Need
A computer, a credit card, and willingness to follow terminal commands. No prior server experience required — just follow each lesson.
Curriculum
Phase 1: Preparation
- 1 Privacy.com Account $0
- 2 Keep an AI Chat Tool Open $212.80/mo
- 3 Set Up Bitwarden $0
- 4 Create a Dedicated Email (Proton Mail) $0
Phase 2: Server Setup
- 5 Purchase Your Vultr VPS ~$33/mo
- 6 First Login — SSH and Security $0
Phase 3: OpenClaw + Telegram
Phase 4: Memory & Automation
- 11 Memory and Transcripts $0
- 12 Scheduled Telegram Updates $0
Phase 5: Domain & Web Services
- 13 Get a Domain from Porkbun ~$12/yr
- 14 Install Caddy $0
Phase 6: Gitea
- 15 Install Gitea $0
- 16 Using Gitea $0
Phase 7: Maintenance & Knowledge
Bonus
Budget Summary
| Item | Monthly Cost | Yearly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Generative AI Access (ChatGPT Pro) | $212.80 | $2,553.60 |
| Vultr VPS + backups | ~$33 | ~$396 |
| Domain name | ~$1 | ~$12 |
| Total | ~$246.80 | ~$2,961.60 |