Switch Kit 17: AI on Your Own Computer — for People Who Pay for an AI Chat Subscription

A practical, neutral 24-page PDF on running free AI models on an ordinary computer: what they can really do, what your machine can handle, how to set them up safely — and whether you still need to pay a monthly AI subscription.

Inside: cloud AI versus local AI · a self-assessment · what local AI does well and less well · what your computer can run, with a simple memory formula · upgrading or buying hardware · the free apps compared (LM Studio, Ollama, Jan, AnythingLLM, Open WebUI) · choosing a model · two step-by-step setup routes · everyday uses with ready-made prompts · chatting with your own documents · images, voice and vision · privacy and security · a break-even calculation · leaving or downgrading your subscription · the hybrid approach · a two-week plan · a glossary · a printable checklist.

Written by Julian Beaumont, a former photographer, video journalist and marketing professional with 20 years of hands-on experience adopting new creative and digital tools. Edition 1, November 2026 (facts checked 31 October 2026). PDF, A4, English. General information, not legal, financial or technical advice.

Independent guide. NOT AUTHORIZED, ENDORSED OR SPONSORED BY ANY AI PROVIDER, APP OR MODEL MAKER NAMED.