project-nomad/admin/docs/getting-started.md
Chris Sherwood 6c650a0ded fix(docs): Remove broken service links that pointed to invalid routes
Services like Kiwix, Kolibri, and Open WebUI run on separate ports,
not as paths under the Command Center. Links like /kiwix, /kolibri,
and /openwebui don't exist - users must launch these from the Apps
page or home screen.

- Update home.md to direct users to Apps page or home screen
- Update getting-started.md with correct launch instructions
- Keep /maps link (Maps is embedded in Command Center)

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.5 <noreply@anthropic.com>
2026-01-22 16:32:03 -08:00

233 lines
6.6 KiB
Markdown

# Getting Started with N.O.M.A.D.
This guide will help you install and set up your N.O.M.A.D. server.
---
## Installation
### System Requirements
N.O.M.A.D. runs on any **Debian-based Linux** system (Ubuntu recommended). The installation is terminal-based, and everything is accessed through a web browser — no desktop environment needed.
**Minimum Specs** (Command Center only):
- 2 GHz dual-core processor
- 4 GB RAM
- 5 GB free storage
- Internet connection (for initial install)
**Recommended Specs** (with AI features):
- AMD Ryzen 7 / Intel Core i7 or better
- 32 GB RAM
- NVIDIA RTX 3060 or better (more VRAM = larger AI models)
- 250 GB+ free storage (SSD preferred)
The Command Center itself is lightweight — your hardware requirements depend on which tools and content you choose to install.
### Install N.O.M.A.D.
Open a terminal and run these two commands:
```bash
curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Crosstalk-Solutions/project-nomad/refs/heads/master/install/install_nomad.sh -o install_nomad.sh
```
```bash
sudo bash install_nomad.sh
```
That's it. Once the install finishes, open a browser and go to:
- **Same machine:** `http://localhost:8080`
- **Other devices on your network:** `http://YOUR_SERVER_IP:8080`
### About Internet & Privacy
N.O.M.A.D. is designed for offline use. Internet is only needed:
- During initial installation
- When downloading additional content
There is **zero telemetry** — your data stays on your device.
### About Security
N.O.M.A.D. has no built-in authentication — it's designed to be open and accessible. If you expose it on a network, consider using firewall rules to control which ports are accessible.
---
## After Installation
### 1. Run the Easy Setup Wizard
If this is your first time using N.O.M.A.D., the Easy Setup wizard will help you:
- Choose which apps to enable
- Download map regions for your area
- Select knowledge collections (Wikipedia, medical references, etc.)
**[Launch Easy Setup →](/easy-setup)**
The wizard walks you through four simple steps:
1. **Apps** — Choose additional tools like CyberChef or FlatNotes
2. **Maps** — Select geographic regions for offline maps
3. **ZIM Files** — Choose reference collections (Wikipedia, medical, survival guides)
4. **Review** — Confirm your selections and start downloading
### 2. Wait for Downloads to Complete
Depending on what you selected, downloads may take a while. You can:
- Monitor progress in the Settings area
- Continue using features that are already installed
- Leave your server running overnight for large downloads
### 3. Explore Your Content
Once downloads complete, you're ready to go. Your content works offline whenever you need it.
---
## Understanding Your Tools
### Kiwix — Your Offline Library
Kiwix stores compressed versions of websites and references that work without internet.
**What's included:**
- Full Wikipedia (millions of articles)
- Medical references and first aid guides
- How-to guides and survival information
- Classic books from Project Gutenberg
**How to use it:**
1. Click **Kiwix** from the Command Center home screen or [Apps](/settings/apps) page
2. Choose a collection (like Wikipedia)
3. Search or browse just like the regular website
---
### Kolibri — Offline Education
Kolibri provides complete educational courses that work offline.
**What's included:**
- Khan Academy video courses
- Math, science, reading, and more
- Progress tracking for learners
- Works for all ages
**How to use it:**
1. Click **Kolibri** from the Command Center home screen or [Apps](/settings/apps) page
2. Sign in or create a learner account
3. Browse courses and start learning
**Tip:** Kolibri supports multiple users. Create accounts for each family member to track individual progress.
---
### Open WebUI — Your AI Assistant
Chat with a local AI that runs entirely on your server — no internet needed.
**What can it do:**
- Answer questions on any topic
- Explain complex concepts simply
- Help with writing and editing
- Brainstorm ideas
- Assist with problem-solving
**How to use it:**
1. Click **Open WebUI** from the Command Center home screen or [Apps](/settings/apps) page
2. Type your question or request
3. The AI responds in conversational style
**Tip:** Be specific in your questions. Instead of "tell me about plants," try "what vegetables grow well in shade?"
---
### Maps — Offline Navigation
View maps without internet. Download the regions you need before going offline.
**How to use it:**
1. Click **Maps** from the Command Center
2. Navigate by dragging and zooming
3. Search for locations using the search bar
**To add more map regions:**
1. Go to **Settings → Maps Manager**
2. Select the regions you need
3. Click Download
**Tip:** Download maps for areas you travel to frequently, plus neighboring regions just in case.
**[Open Maps →](/maps)**
---
## Managing Your Server
### Adding More Content
As your needs change, you can add more content anytime:
- **More apps:** Settings → Apps
- **More references:** Settings → ZIM Manager
- **More map regions:** Settings → Maps Manager
- **More educational content:** Through Kolibri's built-in content browser
### Keeping Things Updated
While you have internet, periodically check for updates:
1. Go to **Settings → Check for Updates**
2. If updates are available, click to install
3. Wait for the update to complete (your server will restart)
Content updates (Wikipedia, maps, etc.) can be managed separately from software updates.
### Monitoring System Health
Check on your server anytime:
1. Go to **Settings → System**
2. View CPU, memory, and storage usage
3. Check system uptime and status
---
## Tips for Best Results
### Before Going Offline
- **Update everything** — Run software and content updates
- **Download what you need** — Maps, references, educational content
- **Test it** — Make sure features work while you still have internet to troubleshoot
### Storage Management
Your server has limited storage. Prioritize:
- Content you'll actually use
- Critical references (medical, survival)
- Maps for your region
- Educational content matching your needs
Check storage usage in **Settings → System**.
### Getting Help
- **In-app docs:** You're reading them now
- **AI assistant:** Ask Open WebUI for help with almost anything
- **Release notes:** See what's new in each version
---
## Next Steps
You're ready to use N.O.M.A.D. Here are some things to try:
1. **Look something up** — Search for a topic in Kiwix
2. **Learn something** — Start a Khan Academy course in Kolibri
3. **Ask a question** — Chat with the AI in Open WebUI
4. **Explore maps** — Find your neighborhood in the Maps viewer
Enjoy your offline knowledge server!