Developer Upgrade Overview

Station D1 — The VPS route. Time: 10 min. Pass when you can say why a VPS is worth the extra setup for you.

What this is

Developer Upgrade is the VPS route for learners who want Hermes running on a separate cloud machine, with SSH, server ownership, and later an always-on Gateway and Telegram.

It is the original Hermes 101 path. If you came from Easy Access, this is your next step up.

Why it matters

Running Hermes on your laptop is the easiest first step. A VPS is the upgrade when you want:

stronger separation between the agent and your personal files;
a machine you can reset, rebuild, or destroy;
always-on access and a messaging gateway;
a cleaner space for serious agent workflows.

A VPS is safer only if configured carefully. It is not automatically secure — that is exactly why it lives in the Developer Upgrade path, not the beginner one.

What to do

Work through the VPS stations in order:

Flow

What Hermes is -> Cost + stack -> Create VPS -> SSH -> Ubuntu prep -> Install Hermes -> Connect model -> First task -> Tools/memory/skills -> Agent proof -> Graduation

Keep the same safety rule from Easy Access:

Copy

Never paste private passwords, API keys, payment details, or personal documents into shared chats, screenshots, or public support channels.

Common mistakes

Taking the VPS route before you have had a first win on Easy Access.
Assuming a rented server is secure by default.
Forgetting a VPS keeps costing money until you stop or destroy it.

Next step

Go to What Is Hermes? to start the VPS route.