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Howland

Documentation Chapter 01

Installation

Install Howland, choose how this computer is used, and get a reply from your own models.

Before you start

  • One computer to be your main computer. Keep Howland open on it while your other devices use it.
  • An internet connection for setup. Leave room for the models on the main computer’s drive.

Setting up a machine with no screen? Follow the Docker guide.

01Install Howland

  1. Download Howland.

    Choose the download for your operating system and processor on Downloads.

    macOS
    Open the DMG and copy Howland to Applications. Choose Apple Silicon or Intel to match your Mac.
    Windows
    Run the EXE installer and follow its instructions.
    Linux
    Install the DEB on Debian or Ubuntu, or make the AppImage executable and open it. Choose x64 or ARM64 to match your computer.
  2. Open Howland.

02Choose how to use this computer

  1. Choose Use this computer.

    Pick this on your main computer.

  2. Or choose Connect to Howland on another computer.

    Pick this on every other computer.

  3. Wait for setup to finish.

    Keep Howland open until the models finish downloading.

Ready

Howland shows that its models are ready, and you can start a conversation.

Setup not finishing? See setup problems.

03Add another computer or a phone

  1. Install Howland on the other device.

    On a computer, choose Connect to Howland on another computer. On a phone, get it from Downloads.

  2. Open Howland on your main computer.
  3. Scan the code, or type the address.

More detail is in Connect your devices.

04Send your first message

Open Howland and send a short message:

Say hello in one sentence.
Done

You receive a reply from a Howland model.

Next, connect another device or open your offline library.

If something does not work

Setup appears stuck
Model downloads can take time and resume after an interruption. Check your internet connection and free disk space, then reopen Howland.
The models are not ready
Check that the model download finished and that the drive holding it is connected. Reopen Howland on the main computer and wait for it to report that the models are ready.
A phone or computer will not pair
Check that Howland is open on the main computer and that both devices are on the same home network. Type the address shown on the main computer if the code will not scan.
A connected device cannot reach a model
Open Howland on the main computer and confirm its models are ready. See connection troubleshooting.

Still stuck? Contact support with your operating system, the step you reached and the relevant error. Remove access tokens and private information from anything you share.