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+# 🚀 BonziAssist Setup Guide
+
+A complete step-by-step guide to get BonziAssist running on your machine.
+
+## Prerequisites
+
+### 1. Install Python 3.8+
+- **Windows**: Download from [python.org](https://www.python.org/downloads/)
+  - ✅ **IMPORTANT**: Check "Add Python to PATH" during installation
+- **Linux**: `sudo apt install python3 python3-pip python3-venv`
+- **macOS**: `brew install python3`
+
+### 2. Install Visual C++ Build Tools (Windows Only)
+BonziAssist requires PyAudio, which needs C++ build tools:
+1. Download from [Visual Studio Build Tools](https://visualstudio.microsoft.com/visual-cpp-build-tools/)
+2. Run installer → select "Desktop development with C++"
+3. Restart your computer after installation
+
+### 3. Verify Installation
+```bash
+python --version   # Should show Python 3.8+
+pip --version      # Should show pip
+```
+
+## Step-by-Step Setup
+
+### Step 1: Clone the Repository
+```bash
+git clone https://github.com/dot-Justin/BonziAssist.git
+cd BonziAssist
+```
+
+### Step 2: Set Up Virtual Environment (Recommended)
+```bash
+# Windows
+python -m venv venv
+venv\Scripts\activate
+
+# Linux/macOS
+python3 -m venv venv
+source venv/bin/activate
+```
+You should see `(venv)` at the beginning of your terminal prompt.
+
+### Step 3: Install Dependencies
+```bash
+pip install -r requirements.txt
+```
+If you encounter errors with PyAudio on Windows:
+```bash
+pip install pipwin
+pipwin install pyaudio
+```
+
+### Step 4: Configure Environment Variables
+1. Navigate to the `helpers/` folder
+2. You'll find a file named `.env.example`
+3. Open it in a text editor
+4. Follow the instructions in the file to fill in your API keys
+5. **Rename** the file from `.env.example` to `.env`
+6. Make sure it's saved in the `helpers/` folder
+
+> ⚠️ **Common mistake**: Don't skip the `.example` removal! The file MUST be named exactly `.env` (no `.example` extension).
+
+### Step 5: Run BonziAssist
+```bash
+python main.py
+```
+
+On first run, you'll be prompted to set up your microphone. Follow the on-screen instructions.
+
+## Usage
+1. Say **"Bonzi"** to activate the assistant
+2. Wait for Bonzi to confirm he's listening
+3. Speak your command or question
+4. Bonzi will respond using the classic BonziBuddy voice!
+
+## Troubleshooting
+
+### "ModuleNotFoundError: No module named '...'"
+```bash
+pip install -r requirements.txt --upgrade
+```
+
+### Microphone not working
+- Windows: Check microphone privacy settings (Settings → Privacy → Microphone)
+- Linux: Install portaudio: `sudo apt install portaudio19-dev`
+- Make sure no other app is using your microphone
+
+### "FileNotFoundError: mic_config.json"
+Run the program from the repository root directory (where `main.py` is located).
+
+### TTS not working
+The TETYYS SAPI4 API may occasionally be offline. Wait a few minutes and try again.
+
+## Quick Check
+Run this to verify your setup:
+```bash
+python -c "import pyaudio; import vosk; import dotenv; print('All imports OK!')"
+```
+If you see "All imports OK!", you're ready to go! 🎉
+
+## Need Help?
+Open an issue on GitHub with:
+1. Your operating system
+2. Python version (`python --version`)
+3. The full error message (copy-paste, don't screenshot)
+4. What you've tried so far