# Linux App

## Overview

OpenClaw's Gateway operates on Linux systems, with Node.js as the preferred runtime environment. Bun is not recommended for the Gateway (WhatsApp/Telegram bugs).

## Quick Start for VPS Users

The beginner pathway involves four primary steps:

1. Installing Node 22 or later
2. Installing the OpenClaw package globally via npm
3. Running the onboard command with daemon installation
4. Establishing an SSH tunnel to access the interface locally

## Installation Options

Multiple installation approaches are available:

- Standard setup procedures
- Experimental Bun support
- Nix package manager integration
- Containerized Docker deployment

## Service Management

OpenClaw implements systemd user services by default, though system-wide services suit shared or persistent server environments. The installation process offers three command variations for establishing the Gateway service, along with diagnostic and repair capabilities through the doctor command.

### Gateway service install options

- `openclaw onboard --install-daemon`
- `openclaw gateway install`
- `openclaw configure` (select Gateway service when prompted)

Use `openclaw doctor` to diagnose or repair installations.

## Configuration

A minimal systemd service unit requires specifying the Gateway startup command with port configuration, restart policies, and user-level enablement through systemctl commands.