Mac mini LLM Lab
Turn a Mac mini into a low-noise, always-on local AI appliance.
System Setup
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Update macOS and Xcode command line tools.
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Install Homebrew and core packages (tmux , htop , ollama ).
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Enable automatic login and restart-after-power-failure.
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Configure Tailscale or WireGuard for remote access.
Reliability Checklist
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Keep device on wired Ethernet.
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Use UPS for power protection.
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Schedule weekly reboot window.
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Add launchd service for Ollama auto-start.
Security Checklist
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Disable unnecessary sharing services.
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Enforce FileVault and strong local admin password.
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Restrict SSH to key-based auth only.
Related Skills
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ollama-stack - Local inference software stack
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ssh-configuration - Secure remote shell access