project-nomad/admin/docs/getting-started.md

Getting Started with N.O.M.A.D.

This guide will help you set up your N.O.M.A.D. server and start using it effectively.

First Steps

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 →

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.

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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
2. Choose a collection (like Wikipedia)
3. Search or browse just like the regular website

Open Kiwix →

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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
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 Kolibri →

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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
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?"

Open AI Chat →

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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 →

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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

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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

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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!