Question 1

Is OpenClaw free?

Accepted Answer

OpenClaw itself is opensource and free (MIT license). You only need to pay for API key usage. Cost breakdown:  API fees: Anthropic Claude or OpenAI, payasyougo, typically under $5/month for light users  Server fees: If using a VPS (like Hetzner), about $5/month  Local run: Just electricity cost

Question 2

How is it different from ChatGPT?

Accepted Answer

The biggest differences are "proactivity" and "memory":  Feature  ChatGPT  OpenClaw   Interaction  Passive  you ask, it answers  Proactive  sends reminders   Memory  Forgets when window closes  Persistent preferences   Capability  Chat only  Executes real tasks   Running  Cloud service  Local/server   Privacy  Cloud processing  Data stays local

Question 3

Is Shell permission safe?

Accepted Answer

It depends on how you configure it. OpenClaw's power comes from executing system commands, but this is also where the risk lies. Safety recommendations: 1. Don't run as Root 2. Set up Humanintheloop review for sensitive operations 3. Backup data regularly 4. Never let AI access crypto private keys or bank passwords

Question 4

How to install on Windows?

Accepted Answer

OpenClaw natively supports macOS and Linux. Windows users need to install via WSL2: 1. Enable WSL2 feature 2. Install Ubuntu (or other Linux distro) 3. Install following Linux guide in WSL2

Question 5

Does it support Chinese?

Accepted Answer

OpenClaw has no language restrictions. You can chat with it in any language including Chinese. Recommendations:  Configure Claude API with Chinesesupporting model  Set system prompts in Chinese  Skills and tutorials can also be written in Chinese

Question 6

How much does it cost to run?

Accepted Answer

Minimum cost (local run):  API fees: $25/month (depending on usage) Recommended (VPS run):  VPS fees: $5/month (Hetzner, etc.)  API fees: $25/month  Total: ~$710/month

Question 7

How to configure Telegram Bot?

Accepted Answer

1. Search @BotFather in Telegram 2. Send /newbot to create new Bot 3. Copy Bot Token 4. Run `clawdbot channels login` 5. Select Telegram and paste Token

Question 8

Where is data stored?

Accepted Answer

OpenClaw is "LocalFirst" design:  All data stored locally  Never uploaded to cloud (unless you configure it)  You have complete control over your data

Frequently Asked Questions