> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://herwaka.shesharp.org.nz/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Set Up Your Tools

> Install Node.js, learn to open your terminal, set up Gemini CLI, and optionally install Wispr Flow for voice input — everything you need before building your website.

Before we start building, let's get your tools ready. This page walks you through each step.

<Warning>
  **You will need:** a laptop with internet access. No coding experience is required — we will guide you through every step.
</Warning>

## Step-by-Step Setup

<Steps>
  <Step title="Download Wispr Flow (optional)">
    <Info>
      **This step is optional.** Wispr Flow lets you speak instead of type — handy if you prefer talking over typing. Skip this step if you'd rather type your prompts.
    </Info>

    <Tip>
      **Sign up using this invite link to get a free month of Pro:**
      [https://wisprflow.ai/r?CHAN115](https://wisprflow.ai/r?CHAN115)

      Both you and the tutorial author benefit — you get a free month of Pro, and they get a free month when you dictate 2,000 words!
    </Tip>

    1. **Sign up** at [wisprflow.ai/r?CHAN115](https://wisprflow.ai/r?CHAN115)
    2. **Download and install** the app for your operating system
    3. **Configure settings** — enable these options for the best experience:
       * Experimental > **Command Mode** — Enable advanced voice commands
       * **Press Enter Command** — Automatically press enter when you say "press enter"
       * **Bulk Import** — Import snippets and dictionary items

    <Accordion title="What is Wispr Flow?">
      Wispr Flow is a voice-to-text tool that lets you dictate instead of type. It works in any application, including your terminal. Instead of typing a long prompt to Gemini CLI, you can just say it out loud. This is especially useful if you find typing slow or tiring.
    </Accordion>

    <Tip>
      **Why voice input?** Throughout this tutorial, you will be giving instructions to Gemini CLI in natural language. With Wispr Flow, you can speak those instructions instead of typing them — it feels like having a conversation with your AI assistant.
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Install Node.js">
    Node.js is a free tool that lets you run Gemini CLI on your computer.

    <Tabs>
      <Tab title="Windows">
        1. Go to [nodejs.org](https://nodejs.org)
        2. Click the big green **LTS** button to download the installer
        3. Open the downloaded `.msi` file
        4. Click **Next** through all the screens — the default settings are fine
        5. Click **Install**, then **Finish**
      </Tab>

      <Tab title="macOS">
        1. Go to [nodejs.org](https://nodejs.org)
        2. Click the big green **LTS** button to download the installer
        3. Open the downloaded `.pkg` file
        4. Click **Continue** through all the screens — the default settings are fine
        5. Click **Install**, then **Close**
      </Tab>
    </Tabs>

    <Accordion title="How do I know it worked?">
      Open your terminal and type:

      ```bash theme={null}
      node --version
      ```

      You should see a version number like `v22.x.x`. If you see an error, try closing and reopening your terminal, then run the command again.
    </Accordion>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Learn to open your terminal">
    The terminal is a program where you type commands. It looks like a dark window with text — this is completely normal. Don't be intimidated!

    <Tabs>
      <Tab title="Windows">
        1. Press the **Windows key** on your keyboard
        2. Type **PowerShell**
        3. Click **Windows PowerShell** in the search results

        You'll see a dark blue window with a blinking cursor. That's your terminal!
      </Tab>

      <Tab title="macOS">
        1. Press **Cmd + Space** to open Spotlight
        2. Type **Terminal**
        3. Press **Enter**

        You'll see a window with a blinking cursor. That's your terminal!
      </Tab>
    </Tabs>

    <Tip>
      The terminal is where you'll type commands to install tools and talk to AI. You'll be using it a lot in this tutorial — keep it open!
    </Tip>

    <Accordion title="How to open a terminal in a specific folder">
      Later in this tutorial, you'll need to open a terminal inside your project folder. Here's how:

      **Windows:** Open the folder in File Explorer. Click the address bar at the top, type `powershell`, and press Enter. A terminal opens right in that folder.

      **macOS:** Open Finder and navigate to the folder. Right-click the folder and select **"Open Terminal at Folder"**. If you don't see this option, you can open Terminal normally and type `cd ` (with a space), then drag the folder into the Terminal window and press Enter.
    </Accordion>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Install and test Gemini CLI">
    Gemini CLI is Google's free AI assistant. It runs in your terminal and helps you with tasks based on your descriptions.

    Open your terminal and type:

    ```bash theme={null}
    npm install -g @google/gemini-cli
    ```

    Wait for the installation to finish. Then start it by typing:

    ```bash theme={null}
    gemini
    ```

    The first time you run it, Gemini CLI will ask you to sign in:

    * Choose **"Sign in with Google"**
    * A browser window will open — sign in with your Google account
    * Come back to the terminal when it says you're connected

    <Info>
      **Free tier:** 60 requests per minute, 1,000 requests per day — more than enough for this tutorial and everyday use.
    </Info>

    <Accordion title="'npm' is not recognised">
      This means Node.js isn't installed correctly. Go back and reinstall Node.js. After reinstalling, **close your terminal completely and open a new one** before trying again.
    </Accordion>

    <Accordion title="Permission denied error">
      **Windows:** Close PowerShell and reopen it by right-clicking and choosing **"Run as Administrator"**. Then try the install command again.

      **macOS:** Add `sudo` before the command:

      ```bash theme={null}
      sudo npm install -g @google/gemini-cli
      ```

      Enter your computer password when prompted (you won't see characters as you type — that's normal).
    </Accordion>
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Verify Your Setup

Before moving on, check that everything is ready:

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Node.js installed">
    Run `node --version` in your terminal. You should see a version number.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Terminal works">
    You can open a terminal window and type commands.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Gemini CLI installed">
    Run `gemini` in your terminal. It starts up and shows a prompt where you can type.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Signed in to Google">
    Gemini CLI is connected to your Google account.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Wispr Flow (optional)">
    If you installed it, you can dictate text in any application. Try speaking a sentence in a text editor to confirm it works.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

<Note>
  All set? Head to [Set up GitHub](/tutorial/personal-website/github-account) to create your GitHub account and install the tools you need for deployment.
</Note>