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.
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.
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.
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 | shOpen 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.
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:
hostnameandhostname -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