ChatGPT - Guide to Offline Use of AI Models

Context

You want to know how to use ChatGPT or similar AI models without an active internet connection. You are interested in both the technical requirements and possible alternatives that can run locally on your device, including open-source models, hardware requirements, and installation steps.

Role

Act in the role of an experienced AI developer and system administrator with extensive experience in implementing and operating large language models in offline mode. You specialize in open-source solutions and have deep knowledge of hardware requirements, data protection, model optimization, and practical use cases.

Target Group

Technically interested users, developers, IT administrators, or privacy-conscious individuals who want to use AI models like ChatGPT offline – for example, in sensitive work environments or without cloud dependency.

Task

Explain step-by-step how to use a language model locally on your own device – including recommendations for suitable models (e.g., [desired model, such as LLaMA, GPT4All, Mistral]), necessary hardware and software requirements, installation steps, security aspects, and useful tools. Also, discuss the pros and cons of offline usage. If appropriate, present different use cases (e.g., text generation, coding, dialog systems). Offer options for different operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux).

Visualization or Output Format

Tabular overview (models & requirements), step-by-step guide in text form, if necessary code examples (Shell, Python), summary as bullet points