https://github.com/liteobject/local-ai
A curated guide to running Large Language Models (LLMs) on your own machine. Covers tools like Ollama, LM Studio, LocalAI, GPT4All, and more!
https://github.com/liteobject/local-ai
gpt4all lm-studio local-ai ollama python
Last synced: about 2 months ago
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A curated guide to running Large Language Models (LLMs) on your own machine. Covers tools like Ollama, LM Studio, LocalAI, GPT4All, and more!
- Host: GitHub
- URL: https://github.com/liteobject/local-ai
- Owner: LiteObject
- Created: 2024-02-17T04:24:05.000Z (over 1 year ago)
- Default Branch: main
- Last Pushed: 2025-08-06T03:40:47.000Z (2 months ago)
- Last Synced: 2025-08-06T05:22:19.327Z (2 months ago)
- Topics: gpt4all, lm-studio, local-ai, ollama, python
- Homepage:
- Size: 63.5 KB
- Stars: 41
- Watchers: 1
- Forks: 3
- Open Issues: 3
-
Metadata Files:
- Readme: README.md
Awesome Lists containing this project
README
---
title: "How to Run AI Models Locally - Free ChatGPT Alternative 2025"
description: "Learn to install and run AI models like Llama, Qwen, and Phi3 on your computer for free. Step-by-step guide to local AI with LM Studio and Ollama."
keywords: "local AI, run AI models locally, free ChatGPT alternative, Ollama, LM Studio, Llama, Qwen, local AI installation"
---
# How to Run AI Models Locally on Your Computer - Free ChatGPT Alternative
Tired of paying $ every month for ChatGPT? Here's how to run these AI models on your own machine - completely free and private. Learn to install and use local AI models like Llama, Qwen, and Phi3 with step-by-step instructions.
📚 **Complete documentation available in the [docs folder](./docs/)**
## Benefits of Running AI Models Locally vs Cloud Services
I was skeptical at first. But after using local AI for months, I'm never going back to paid services for most tasks. Here's why:
- **It's actually free** - No subscription fees eating into your budget
- **Your conversations stay private** - Nothing gets sent to some company's servers
- **Works when your internet doesn't** - Perfect for flights or sketchy WiFi
- **You can tinker with it** - Want to modify how the AI behaves? Go for it.
## Step 1: Choose the Best Local AI Software (LM Studio vs Ollama)
### If you hate command lines
**[LM Studio](https://lmstudio.ai/)** - This one's got a nice interface
1. Download it and install (pretty straightforward)
2. Browse models in the app - they've got tons
3. Hit download, wait a bit, then start chatting
### If you're okay with typing commands
**[Ollama](https://ollama.com/)** - My personal favorite
```bash
# Mac/Linux folks:
curl -fsSL https://ollama.com/install.sh | sh
# Windows people: Just download from the website
# Then try this:
ollama run llama3.2:3b
```
I'd recommend starting with LM Studio if you're new to this stuff. You can always try Ollama later.
## Step 2: Check Your Computer Hardware Requirements for AI Models
This is important - you can't run huge models on a slow computer. But don't worry, there are good options for everyone:
| What you've got | What you can run | How good is it? |
|-----------------|------------------|-----------------|
| Basic laptop (8GB RAM) | 3B-7B models | Pretty decent for most stuff |
| Gaming rig (good GPU) | 13B models | Really good, honestly |
| Beast machine (16GB+ GPU) | 30B+ models | Scary good |
**Not sure what you have?**
- Windows: Right-click "This PC" → Properties
- Mac: Apple Menu → About This Mac
- Linux: You probably already know, but `lscpu` and `free -h` if you don't
## Step 3: Download and Install Your First AI Model
**TL;DR:** Start with llama3.2:3b - it's like the Honda Civic of AI models: reliable, efficient, and works for most people.
I've tried a bunch of these local AI models. Here are the best free ChatGPT alternatives that actually work well:
- **llama3.2:3b** - Start here. It's fast, works on anything, and surprisingly good for a local AI model
- **gpt-oss** - OpenAI's new open models with incredible reasoning - genuinely impressive
- **qwen3:1.7b** - Alibaba's new lightweight model that's impressively capable
- **phi-4:14b** - Microsoft's new reasoning powerhouse (if you have the hardware)
- **stable-code:3b** - New coding specialist that rivals much larger models
- **deepcoder:14b** - Latest open-source coding champion at o3-mini level
- **smollm2:1.7b** - Lightweight local AI option that's surprisingly capable
Just start with `llama3.2:3b` or try `gpt-oss` if you want the latest and greatest. You can always download more later (and trust me, you will).
**📋 [Detailed model breakdown →](docs/MODEL_GUIDE.md)**
**🆕 [What I'm using right now →](docs/CURRENT_MODEL_RECOMMENDATIONS.md)**
## Step 4: How to Start Using Local AI Models
### If you went with LM Studio
1. Download a model from the search tab (I'd suggest llama3.2:3b)
2. Switch to the chat tab
3. Pick your model from the dropdown and start typing
### If you went with Ollama
```bash
ollama run llama3.2:3b
>>> Hey there! What can I help you with?
```
That's it. You're now running AI on your own machine. Pretty cool, right?
## Troubleshooting Common Local AI Installation Issues
**🐌 Model running like molasses?** Try something smaller like `phi3:mini` or `smollm2:1.7b`
**💾 Computer says "out of memory"?** Your machine needs more RAM, or switch to a smaller model (try going from 7B to 3B)
**❌ Installation failing?** Restart your computer and check if your antivirus is being overly paranoid - sometimes it blocks AI software
## Additional Local AI Resources and Guides
### 📚 Complete Documentation Index
#### Getting Started
- [**What Are AI Models?**](./docs/WHAT_ARE_AI_MODELS.md) - If you're curious how this magic works
- [**Tool Comparison**](./docs/TOOL_COMPARISON.md) - Deep dive into your options
#### Model Selection and Recommendations
- [**Model Guide**](./docs/MODEL_GUIDE.md) - Which models are actually good
- [**Current Favorites**](./docs/CURRENT_MODEL_RECOMMENDATIONS.md) - What I'm using lately
#### Technical Details
- [**File Formats Explained**](./docs/MODEL_FORMATS_AND_TYPES.md) - The technical stuff
- [**Advanced Ollama Tricks**](./docs/ADVANCED_OLLAMA_FEATURES.md) - For when you want to get fancy
### 🚀 Quick Navigation
**New to AI?** → Start with [What Are AI Models?](./docs/WHAT_ARE_AI_MODELS.md)
**Need model recommendations?** → Check [Current Model Recommendations](./docs/CURRENT_MODEL_RECOMMENDATIONS.md)
**Want advanced features?** → See [Advanced Ollama Features](./docs/ADVANCED_OLLAMA_FEATURES.md)
## Quick Help for Local AI Setup Issues
- 90% of problems are solved by trying a smaller model first
- Check if your antivirus is blocking stuff
- When in doubt, restart and try again