Client Comparison Sheet
Client Comparison Sheet: Local AI Options
Section titled “Client Comparison Sheet: Local AI Options”Version: 1.01.26
Audience: Client (Non-Technical-Friendly)
1. Overview
Section titled “1. Overview”You have several options for running AI locally.
This sheet explains them in plain language so you can choose what fits you.
2. Summary Table (Plain Language)
Section titled “2. Summary Table (Plain Language)”| Option Name | What It Feels Like | Best For | Needs Docker? | Automation? | Ease of Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LM Studio (SOP #3) | App that looks like a local ChatGPT | One person using AI on their own PC | No | No | Easy |
| Goose Standalone (SOP #5) | One app assistant on Windows | Non-technical users, simple workflows | No | No | Very Easy |
| LLM + Goose (SOP #1) | AI in a container with a nice UI | Users who want UI + extra isolation | Yes | Limited | Medium |
| Terminal-Only (SOP #2) | Text-only window for advanced users | Security-focused, technical workflows | Yes | Limited | Harder |
| Goose + n8n + Agent (SOP #4) | AI that can run tasks automatically | Teams who want “every X hours do Y” | Yes (2 stacks) | Yes | Medium/Hard |
3. Key Questions to Help You Decide
Section titled “3. Key Questions to Help You Decide”-
Do you want something that “just works” like an app?
- Yes → Look at LM Studio or Goose Standalone.
- No, I’m okay with IT or tech help → Container options are possible.
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Do you need the AI to run on its own on a schedule (automation)?
- Yes → You probably want Goose + n8n + Agent.
- No → Any of the simpler options (LM Studio, Goose Standalone, LLM+Goose).
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Do you handle extremely sensitive data (medical, legal, “secret”)?
- Yes → We will likely recommend the Terminal-only or LM Studio route, with extra privacy controls.
- No → Any option can work; we’ll pick based on your workflow and comfort.
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How comfortable are you with technology?
- Not at all → Goose Standalone is best for you (Windows only).
- Somewhat comfortable → LM Studio is a good starting point.
- Very comfortable / IT support available → Containers (LLM+Goose or n8n).
4. Hardware Reality (Simplified)
Section titled “4. Hardware Reality (Simplified)”-
If your computer has 8 GB graphics memory or less:
- We will use a smaller model and keep things light.
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If your computer has between 8 and 24 GB:
- You can run medium models comfortably (our usual recommendation).
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If your computer has more than 24 GB:
- You can run larger models and more complex tasks if needed.
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If you have an AMD graphics card:
- We may need to run mostly on the CPU; NVIDIA generally works better for this use-case.
5. Our General Advice (Client-Facing)
Section titled “5. Our General Advice (Client-Facing)”- Start simple, with LM Studio or Goose Standalone.
- Move to containers and automation only when you have a clear reason.
- For very sensitive data, we will recommend extra privacy steps and may avoid UI tools that have unknown telemetry.