napp-it cs is optimized to use AI for auditing, extending or helpdesk questions.
I won't start a fundamental debate about AI as a job killer, existential risks, or coding quality,
but instead show beginners how a simple setup under Windows works and what to watch out for.
1. Simple Chat Client for Small Talk
Communication with AI takes place via chat clients, either in the browser or via a simple chat application.
This allows for casual interaction ("small talk"), but not cooperative, task-driven work.
2. Local File and Terminal Access
If you want to work "productively" with AI—meaning giving the AI tasks that it then processes independently—local terminal and file access are essential. The AI can then locally edit data or code, read and evaluate Word, PDF, or Excel files, and generate new documents based on them. You can also perform local machine configuration and debugging (e.g., "My Windows system has issue XYZ; analyze and resolve the problem, or tell me what steps I can take to fix it").
3. Remote File and Terminal Access
If you manage multiple machines or remote servers (e.g., a Proxmox host), the AI requires SSH access to read configurations or logs, set up services, or troubleshoot issues. Even locally, SSH can be a practical option if the AI requires local administrator privileges. To do this, enable the SSH server in Windows. If necessary, configure SSH to allow root/admin access (ask the AI: "howto").
4. MCP Chat Client with Web, File, and Terminal Access
These are the tools you need when you want more than just vacation recommendations.
4.1 Anthropic Claude Windows Desktop Client
If you are looking for the easiest and most powerful option currently available, it is a Claude Pro subscription combined with the Claude Desktop application. In the application, simply enable the File Access and Desktop Commander extensions.
This is the most flexible alternative. You can configure two AI providers (requires API access keys from the providers) and select a model for each that dictates its capabilities. Typically, you configure one provider for standard tasks and a second for particularly demanding workloads (e.g., DeepSeek-R1 or a free alternative). Cline can serve as a substitute for Claude Desktop; I use it as a supplement because Claude Desktop is simply easier to manage.
5. API Access Keys for Using an AI
You can obtain API keys directly from the provider (Anthropic, DeepSeek, etc.) or through an aggregator like openrouter.ai, which also serves as an interface for AI providers that do not operate their own storefront (e.g., EU models like Laguna). On OpenRouter, you can get a free API key to access free models, or deposit funds to use paid ones. Depositing as little as €10 increases your query limit from 50 queries/day to 1,000 queries/day even for free models, making it well worth the investment.
6. Setting Up the AI Client
Since you don't want to grant the AI unrestricted access by default, create a dedicated AI project folder (e.g., C:\opt) and grant access to that path. Inside this directory, place your tools—for example, C:\opt\ssh containing SSH utilities like pscp.exe, plink.exe, and puttygen.exe (for remote access to other machines by the AI).
For individual projects, create dedicated subfolders (e.g., C:\opt\csweb-gui for a web GUI project). Inside, include a folder containing documentation, guides, specifications, task lists, guidelines, etc. (e.g., C:\opt\csweb-gui\data\howto.ai).
Defaults When Starting a New Chat Session
You can define what the chat client should execute automatically at the start of every session. In my setup, the instruction is: "Always read and follow C:\opt\csweb-gui\data\howto.ai\guideline.info." This ensures the AI immediately ingests the complete documentation and previous context. For multiple projects, you can also instruct the AI to ask for the project name first and then load the corresponding documentation.
This "onboarding" of the AI is essential for two reasons:
7. Models
I am not listing specific model rankings here, as rankings can change daily; an AI can provide up-to-date information on demand.
Current snapshot:
I won't start a fundamental debate about AI as a job killer, existential risks, or coding quality,
but instead show beginners how a simple setup under Windows works and what to watch out for.
1. Simple Chat Client for Small Talk
Communication with AI takes place via chat clients, either in the browser or via a simple chat application.
This allows for casual interaction ("small talk"), but not cooperative, task-driven work.
2. Local File and Terminal Access
If you want to work "productively" with AI—meaning giving the AI tasks that it then processes independently—local terminal and file access are essential. The AI can then locally edit data or code, read and evaluate Word, PDF, or Excel files, and generate new documents based on them. You can also perform local machine configuration and debugging (e.g., "My Windows system has issue XYZ; analyze and resolve the problem, or tell me what steps I can take to fix it").
3. Remote File and Terminal Access
If you manage multiple machines or remote servers (e.g., a Proxmox host), the AI requires SSH access to read configurations or logs, set up services, or troubleshoot issues. Even locally, SSH can be a practical option if the AI requires local administrator privileges. To do this, enable the SSH server in Windows. If necessary, configure SSH to allow root/admin access (ask the AI: "howto").
4. MCP Chat Client with Web, File, and Terminal Access
These are the tools you need when you want more than just vacation recommendations.
4.1 Anthropic Claude Windows Desktop Client
If you are looking for the easiest and most powerful option currently available, it is a Claude Pro subscription combined with the Claude Desktop application. In the application, simply enable the File Access and Desktop Commander extensions.
- Costs: E.g., Claude Pro subscription at $17 USD per month.
- Limits: For complex tasks, you can work with it for 1–2 hours before having to wait 5 hours. You also have a weekly token limit or must pay extra per token. With the top-tier Claude 5 models, this can add up quickly.
This is the most flexible alternative. You can configure two AI providers (requires API access keys from the providers) and select a model for each that dictates its capabilities. Typically, you configure one provider for standard tasks and a second for particularly demanding workloads (e.g., DeepSeek-R1 or a free alternative). Cline can serve as a substitute for Claude Desktop; I use it as a supplement because Claude Desktop is simply easier to manage.
5. API Access Keys for Using an AI
You can obtain API keys directly from the provider (Anthropic, DeepSeek, etc.) or through an aggregator like openrouter.ai, which also serves as an interface for AI providers that do not operate their own storefront (e.g., EU models like Laguna). On OpenRouter, you can get a free API key to access free models, or deposit funds to use paid ones. Depositing as little as €10 increases your query limit from 50 queries/day to 1,000 queries/day even for free models, making it well worth the investment.
6. Setting Up the AI Client
Since you don't want to grant the AI unrestricted access by default, create a dedicated AI project folder (e.g., C:\opt) and grant access to that path. Inside this directory, place your tools—for example, C:\opt\ssh containing SSH utilities like pscp.exe, plink.exe, and puttygen.exe (for remote access to other machines by the AI).
For individual projects, create dedicated subfolders (e.g., C:\opt\csweb-gui for a web GUI project). Inside, include a folder containing documentation, guides, specifications, task lists, guidelines, etc. (e.g., C:\opt\csweb-gui\data\howto.ai).
Defaults When Starting a New Chat Session
You can define what the chat client should execute automatically at the start of every session. In my setup, the instruction is: "Always read and follow C:\opt\csweb-gui\data\howto.ai\guideline.info." This ensures the AI immediately ingests the complete documentation and previous context. For multiple projects, you can also instruct the AI to ask for the project name first and then load the corresponding documentation.
This "onboarding" of the AI is essential for two reasons:
- While the AI has vast general knowledge, it knows nothing about your specific project.
- The AI often lacks memory across separate chat sessions.
7. Models
I am not listing specific model rankings here, as rankings can change daily; an AI can provide up-to-date information on demand.
Current snapshot:
- Leading for Coding: Anthropic Claude 5 series (expensive, US provider).
- Leading for Cost-Efficiency: DeepSeek-R1 (~10% of Claude's cost, China).
- Top EU Model: Laguna S (France, API via openrouter.ai, free/budget-friendly).