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Install on Linux

If you're on Linux, you're probably comfortable with the terminal already. LanJAM works great on most distributions — you just need Docker and Ollama set up first.

  1. 1

    Install Docker Engine and the Compose plugin

    LanJAM requires Docker Engine with the Compose plugin (not Docker Desktop, though that works too).

    Follow the official instructions for your distribution: Install Docker Engine . The Compose plugin is included with the official Docker packages. After installing, make sure your user is in the docker group so you can run Docker without sudo.

  2. 2

    Install Ollama

    Ollama runs AI models locally on your hardware.

    Install Ollama for Linux — the quickest method is their install script. Once installed, Ollama runs as a background service.

  3. 3

    Run the install command

    Copy and paste the following command, then press Enter. The installer will walk you through a few simple questions.

    curl -fsSL https://dl.lanjam.dev/install.sh | sh
    What does this command do?

    curl -fsSL — Downloads the install script from the LanJAM website. The flags make it run quietly and follow redirects.

    | sh — Runs the downloaded script. It's an interactive installer that will ask you a few questions (like where to install and what port to use).

    The script checks that Docker and Ollama are installed, sets up configuration files, downloads the LanJAM containers, and starts everything up. It won't install anything outside the directory you choose.

  4. 4

    Open LanJAM

    Once the installer finishes, it will display the exact URLs you can use to access LanJAM — including addresses that work from other devices on your network.

    From the computer you installed on, open your browser and go to http://localhost:3000 (or your chosen port). From other devices like phones, tablets, or other computers, use the machine's hostname or IP address shown by the installer. If port 80 was available, you won't even need a port number.

    You'll be guided through creating your admin account and inviting family members. See the first-time setup guide for a walkthrough.

  5. 5

    Advanced: Running Ollama on a separate machine

    If you have a separate machine with a powerful GPU, you can run Ollama there and point LanJAM to it. During installation, the installer will ask for the Ollama host address — enter the IP address and port of the remote machine (e.g. http://192.168.1.50:11434 ).

    See the hardware requirements article for more details on this setup.

Accessing LanJAM from other devices

To connect from phones, tablets, or other computers on your network, you need the hostname or IP address of the machine running LanJAM.

Finding your hostname and IP on Linux:

  • In Terminal: hostname and hostname -I
  • If Avahi/mDNS is installed, other devices can reach you at your-hostname.local

Automatic restart

LanJAM restarts automatically whenever Docker is running. To make sure Docker starts when your computer boots:

Run:

sudo systemctl enable docker

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