Installing Ollama - #2 of the Free Ollama Course

Summary

This video tutorial delves into the detailed installation process of Ollama, a technology designed to harness the power of GPUs for various applications. The instructor guides viewers through downloading and setting up Ollama on Windows, Linux, and macOS platforms, emphasizing the ease of use and troubleshooting support available through Discord communities. The video also touches on navigating the command-line interface and hints at future lessons on advanced topics like web UI integration and custom directory setups.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video is part of a free course teaching how to use Ollama technology.
• 📚 A new video is released weekly to progressively teach more about Ollama.
• 👀 It's recommended to watch the video without following along first, then try the steps.
• 💻 The script covers downloading and installing Ollama on Windows, Linux, and macOS.
• 🔗 The video provides links to supported GPUs and Discord communities for support.
• 🖥️ For Windows, the presenter uses a Paperspace instance with a P6000 GPU for demonstration.
• 🔧 If GPU drivers are properly configured, Ollama will automatically use the GPU if supported.
• 📝 Ollama's interface is command-line based, accessed via terminal or PowerShell.
• 🔄 The `ollama run` command is used to start the REPL for interactive question and answer sessions.
• 🛠️ For Linux, a script is provided for installation, which can be reviewed or installed manually.
• 🍎 macOS installation is straightforward with a universal app, but older Intel Macs may lack GPU support.
• 🔄 Common next steps like installing a web UI or changing the default model directory will be covered in future videos.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the Ollama course?

The Ollama course aims to teach everything one needs to know about using Ollama technology and to help users become proficient with it.

How often are new videos released in the Ollama course?

A new video in the Ollama course is released each week.

What is the recommended approach to follow along with the Ollama installation video?

It is suggested to watch the video all the way through without following along, then try the installation and refer back to the video if any issues are encountered.

Where can one find the download link for Ollama?

The download link for Ollama can be found in the middle of the ollama.com webpage.

What are the three operating systems for which Ollama provides installation options?

Ollama provides installation options for macOS, Linux, and Windows.

Why is Paperspace mentioned in the script?

Paperspace is mentioned as a reliable source of Windows machines in the cloud with named GPUs, which is used for demonstrating the Ollama installation on Windows.

What is the significance of the P6000 GPU in the context of the video?

The P6000 GPU is significant because it is the GPU used in the Windows instance on Paperspace for demonstrating the Ollama installation.

What should one do if their GPU is supported by Ollama but they are not seeing it being used?

If a supported GPU is not being utilized by Ollama, users can seek help through the course Discord or the Ollama Discord.

What is the user interface like for Ollama without additional installations?

Without additional installations, Ollama's user interface is at the command line.

How can one start using Ollama after installation?

After installation, one can start using Ollama by opening the terminal or PowerShell and running the command 'ollama run' followed by the model name.

What is the recommended method for users who want to change the default directory for Ollama models?

For changing the default directory for Ollama models, users should look into using environment variables as documented in the Ollama documentation.

What is the next step for users who wish to install a web UI for Ollama?

Users interested in installing a web UI for Ollama should look forward to future videos in the course that will cover this topic.

Why is Apple Silicon mentioned as superior for running Ollama compared to Intel Macs?

Apple Silicon is mentioned as superior because it offers better performance and compatibility with Ollama, whereas GPU support for older Intel Macs is non-existent.

What is the recommended action if a user encounters difficulties during the Ollama installation on Linux?

If difficulties are encountered during the Ollama installation on Linux, users can review the script first, follow the manual install instructions, or seek help through the Discord channels.

How can one get help if they run into issues during the Ollama installation process?

Users can get help by signing up to the two Discord channels mentioned in the script description.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Detailed Installation Guide for Ollama on Windows

This paragraph provides a step-by-step guide for installing Ollama on Windows systems using a cloud instance from Paperspace, which is part of Digital Ocean. The presenter explains the process of downloading the installer from ollama.com, running it, and ensuring that the system's GPU drivers are configured correctly for Ollama to utilize the GPU. It also mentions the lack of a graphical user interface and the use of the command line to interact with Ollama, specifically by using the 'ollama run' command followed by the model name. The paragraph concludes with advice on seeking help from the Ollama and course Discord channels if installation issues arise.

05:01

🔧 Installing Ollama on Linux with a Focus on GPU Drivers

The second paragraph delves into the installation process of Ollama on Linux systems, highlighting the ease of creating a Linux instance with Brev.dev. The script used for installation is discussed, with reassurance for those concerned about its safety by suggesting a review of the script or following manual installation instructions. The script's primary function is to handle GPU drivers, set up a user for Ollama, and create a service for background operation. The paragraph emphasizes that if GPU drivers are pre-configured, the installation is quick and straightforward. It also touches on the potential complications with certain Linux distributions and reiterates the value of the Discord communities for troubleshooting.

🍎 macOS Installation and Considerations for Ollama

The final paragraph addresses the installation of Ollama on macOS, noting that it is a universal app compatible with both Apple Silicon and Intel Macs. However, it points out the superior performance on Apple Silicon and the challenges of GPU support on older Intel Macs. The presenter suggests that support for these older versions is unlikely due to the advanced capabilities of the M1 chip. The installation process on macOS is described as quick, involving downloading and running an installer, and then using the terminal to run Ollama with a specified model. The paragraph also teases future videos on advanced topics such as installing a web UI and managing model directories through environment variables in the Ollama documentation.

Keywords

💡Ollama

Ollama is the central subject of the video, referring to a technology or software that the audience is being taught to use. It is a key concept as the entire course is designed to make viewers proficient with it. The script mentions 'Ollama' in various contexts, such as downloading it from 'ollama.com', installing it on different operating systems, and using it via the command line.

💡Course

The term 'course' refers to the series of instructional videos that the speaker is releasing to educate viewers on using Ollama. It is a key part of the video's theme as it sets the expectation for ongoing learning and development of skills related to the technology. The script mentions a 'free course' and the release of 'a new video in the course each week'.

💡Installation

Installation is a critical process described in the video for setting up Ollama on various platforms. It is integral to the video's content as it guides viewers through the steps required to make the technology operational. The script provides detailed instructions for installing Ollama on Windows, Linux, and macOS.

💡GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)

A GPU is a specialized electronic circuit designed to rapidly manipulate and alter memory to accelerate the creation of images in a frame buffer intended for output to a display device. In the context of the video, GPUs are important as they are required for Ollama to function optimally, especially when using supported GPUs for processing tasks.

💡Discord

Discord, mentioned in the script, is a communication platform where the community can interact, and in this case, it is suggested as a place to seek help if issues arise during the installation of Ollama. It is a key concept as it represents the support network available to learners.

💡Command Line

The command line is a text-based interface used to interact with the computer's operating system. In the video, it is highlighted as the primary user interface for Ollama, where users can execute commands like 'ollama run' to operate the software.

💡REPL (Read-Eval-Print Loop)

REPL is a computer programming tool that allows users to interactively execute commands and immediately see their results. The script refers to REPL as a place where users can ask questions and get interactive answers, illustrating the interactive nature of Ollama.

💡Script

In the context of the video, a script refers to an automated set of instructions used to perform the installation of Ollama on Linux. It is a key part of the installation process, as it simplifies the steps for users who may not be familiar with manual installations.

💡Environment Variables

Environment variables are a set of dynamic values in computer programs that can affect the way running processes will behave. In the video, environment variables are mentioned as a method to redirect models to a different directory in Ollama, indicating a way to customize the software's operation.

💡WebUI

WebUI stands for Web User Interface, which is a method of accessing software through a web browser rather than a desktop application. The script mentions the installation of a WebUI for Ollama as a common next step for users, suggesting an upcoming video will cover this topic.

💡Paperspace and Brev.dev

Paperspace and Brev.dev are cloud computing platforms mentioned in the script as sources for accessing Windows and Linux instances, respectively. They are relevant as they provide the necessary infrastructure for installing and running Ollama in cloud environments, especially when physical access to the required OS or hardware is limited.

Highlights

Introduction to a free course teaching everything about using Ollama technology.

Weekly video releases to progressively enhance Ollama skills.

Detailed installation instructions for Ollama.

Suggestion to watch the video without following along first to gauge personal learning pace.

Downloading Ollama from ollama.com with options for macOS, Linux, and Windows.

Use of Paperspace for demonstrating Windows installation due to lack of Windows systems.

Explanation of GPU requirements and compatibility with Ollama.

Accessing the list of supported GPUs via a provided URL.

Command-line interface as the primary method of interaction with Ollama.

Demonstration of running Ollama using the command `ollama run` followed by the model name.

Recommendation to join Discord communities for troubleshooting and support.

Linux installation process using a script and manual driver handling.

Brev.dev as a recommended platform for creating Linux instances with GPUs.

macOS installation process and the difference in performance between Apple Silicon and Intel Macs.

Future videos on advanced topics like installing a web UI for Ollama.

Using environment variables for customizing the model directory in Ollama.

Anticipated next steps and common needs for Ollama users.

Upcoming video content预告 for further exploration of Ollama's capabilities.

Transcripts

Welcome back, you are watching the second video  of a free course that will teach you everything  

you need to know about using Ollama and will  help you become a pro with the technology. I'm  

releasing a new video in the course each week so  keep coming back to learn more and more about it.  

In the previous video, we did a quick overview of  how to get started with Ollama. In this video, we  

are going to go into more detail on installation.  There is no way for me to gauge how much time you  

need to do any step, so it's probably worth  watching the video all the way thru without  

actually following along. Then try it out. If you  run into any issues, come back to the video to  

see what you have missed. Pause, go back and speed  forward are all options in the YouTube interface.

In the getting started video we saw that you  had to go to ollama.com and in the middle of  

the page is a link to download it. So let's look  at the options. There are three options: macOS,  

Linux, and Windows. let's start with Windows.  I don't actually have a windows system to use  

as all the computers in my house are Macs, so I  will be working with an instance on Paperspace.  

Paperspace is part of Digital Ocean and after  all my searching is the one reliable source of  

Windows machines in the cloud with named  GPUs, meaning not just a fake name that  

Azure uses. This is a windows instance with  a P6000 gpu that has 24gb vram and 32gb ram.

So once it finally starts up, you can go  to ollama.com and start the download for  

the installer. Then run the installer. click  through the buttons and its pretty easy. then  

you get this notification that ollama is started  and then is set to run when you login. Now you  

may notice that I didn't say anything about Nvidia  or AMD drivers. If the drivers are all configured  

for your machine, then there is nothing else to  do. Ollama will use the GPU if it’s a supported  

GPU. You can find the GPUs that are supported  by going to this URL. If your GPU is on there,  

but you aren't seeing ollama using the gpu,  you can try either the course Discord or the  

Ollama Discord. The links to both of  those are in the description below.

At this point you may be confused. Some folks  expect a graphical UI to pop up. But the UI with  

ollama without installing anything else is  at the command line. So we need to start by  

opening up either the terminal or powershell.  Then you can run `ollama run` and the name  

of the model. I used phi3 in the last video  because it's nice and small. So `ollama run  

phi3`. And you should be plopped into the  repl. Remember, last time I talked about  

the repl being a place you can go to ask a  question and interactively get the answer.  

Now you can ask any questions you like just  like you saw in the getting started video.

Of course there are always edge cases where  the install doesn’t work. As I said before,  

try signing up to the two discords and  you should get an answer pretty quickly.

Let’s move on to installing on Linux.  For this I am using an instance I just  

created on Brev.dev. I love these guys.  They make it so easy to create a Linux  

instance with any gpu you want. And no,  they aren’t paying me to say that. There  

are just so many sketchy vendors  out there so Brev is refreshing.

With Linux you download and run a script.  Some folks find that a bit scary to do,  

especially if they don’t trust the source. So  you can also review the script first or go to  

the manual install instructions. Most  of the script just deals with drivers  

for video cards. The parts that are  ollama specific copy the executable,  

create a user called ollama to run the executable  and create the service to run in the background.

So run the script. Just like the windows  version, if your drivers for your gpu are  

set then the install takes very little time.  And then just like windows you can run ollama  

run and the model name. Now ask any question.  There are some distributions of Linux that  

make things more difficult but if you are  using them you already know this. Again,  

the discords are the best place to  get help if you run into any issues.

With that done let’s move to the third  platform which is macOS. It’s a universal app,  

so it will run on Apple Silicon or Intel  Macs but there is a catch. It runs great  

on Apple Silicon. But Intel is more of  a challenge. GPU support on those older  

Macs is non existant. The M1 came out about  4 years ago and is so superior to the Intel  

versions. I really doubt support will come for  those older versions. But you can easily get a  

new Mac Mini with 16gb ram for about 800 which  is pretty great. Installing Ollama on mac uses  

an installer that you download and run. But  like the others it’s super quick and your  

done. Then open a terminal and run ollama run  and a modelname. And boom. Ask your question.

There are a number of common next steps that  folks want to deal with. One is installing  

a webui. I will have a number of videos on  that in the future as part of this course.  

Another common need is to put models in a  different directory from where it defaults  

to. I'll have a video coming soon on where files  go in Ollama, but if you want to figure out how  

to redirect models to a different directory  on your machine, look into using environment  

variables in the ollama docs. Its not as easy as  just setting up an environment variable in your  

login shell. Some folks will try to solve this  by using symbolic links, but there are other  

issues that come up using that approach. The  environment variables are the right way to go.

That’s really all there is to getting  Ollama installed and up and running.  

Watch out for the next video in this course  coming soon. Thanks for watching, Goodbye.