Running large language models locally
Model Shop
Image © sdecoret, 123RF.com
Ollama and Open WebUI let you join the AI revolution without relying on the cloud.
Large language models (LLMs) such as the ones used by OpenAI's [1] ChatGPT [2] are too resource intensive to run locally on your own computer. That's why they're deployed as online services that you pay for. However, since ChatGPT's release, some significant advancements have occurred around smaller LLMs. Many of these smaller LLMs are open source or have a liberal license (see the "Licenses" box). You can run them on your own computer without having to send your input to a cloud server and without having to pay a fee to an online service.
Because these LLMs are computationally intensive and need a lot of RAM, running them on your CPU can be slow. For optimal performance, you need a GPU – GPUs have many parallel compute cores and a lot of dedicated RAM. An NVIDIA or AMD GPU with 8GB RAM or more is recommended.
In addition to the hardware and the models, you also need software that enables you to run the models. One popular package is Ollama [3], named for Meta AI's large language model Llama [4]. Ollama is a command-line application that runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows, and you can also run it as a server that other software connects to.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
US / Canada
UK / Australia
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Cairo Dock 3.6 Now Available for More Compositors
If you're a fan of third-party desktop docks, then the latest release of Cairo Dock with Wayland support is for you.
-
System76 Unleashes Pop!_OS 24.04 Beta
System76's first beta of Pop!_OS 24.04 is an impressive feat.
-
Linux Kernel 6.17 is Available
Linus Torvalds has announced that the latest kernel has been released with plenty of core improvements and even more hardware support.
-
Kali Linux 2025.3 Released with New Hacking Tools
If you're a Kali Linux fan, you'll be glad to know that the third release of this famous pen-testing distribution is now available with updates for key components.
-
Zorin OS 18 Beta Available for Testing
The latest release from the team behind Zorin OS is ready for public testing, and it includes plenty of improvements to make it more powerful, user-friendly, and productive.
-
Fedora Linux 43 Beta Now Available for Testing
Fedora Linux 43 Beta ships with Gnome 49 and KDE Plasma 6.4 (and other goodies).
-
USB4 Maintainer Leaves Intel
Michael Jamet, one of the primary maintainers of USB4 and Thunderbolt drivers, has left Intel, leaving a gaping hole for the Linux community to deal with.
-
Budgie 10.9.3 Now Available
The latest version of this elegant and configurable Linux desktop aligns with changes in Gnome 49.
-
KDE Linux Alpha Available for Daring Users
It's official, KDE Linux has arrived, but it's not quite ready for prime time.
-
AMD Initiates Graphics Driver Updates for Linux Kernel 6.18
This new AMD update focuses on power management, display handling, and hardware support for Radeon GPUs.