What is a local LLM?

Local Language Models (LLMs) are artificial intelligence systems designed to operate on computer hardware. Unlike global LLMs, which rely on vast internet datasets accessible worldwide, local LLMs are trained using localized data and function offline, making them ideal for environments with limited connectivity or strict privacy concerns. There also great in the fact that many open source local models are available and are completely free. While these models offer significant benefits, such as enhanced privacy and reduced resource requirements, they also have limitations based on their data set size. Their knowledge bases are often smaller and more specific, potentially leading to gaps in their ability to handle complex tasks compared to global models. Despite these challenges, local LLMs find application in various domains. For instance, they can assist with education in areas with limited internet access, provide customer service in offline business settings, or support healthcare professionals with localized diagnostic information. They're also great for "filling the gaps" of premium paid AI models available from online providers, especially in areas that don't require a ton of in depth research or problem solving. The future of local LLMs is promising, with advancements in AI technology potentially allowing them to become more sophisticated and adaptable while still remaining compact in size. As the field continues to evolve, these models offer a unique yet valuable approach to artificial intelligence applications, blending innovation with practicality to meet diverse needs. We use local LLM's a lot and plan on providing a lot of information about them as this seems to be an area where information can get foggy quick!