Artificial Intelligence often brings to mind Clippy, the notorious animated paperclip introduced in Microsoft Office during the 1990s. This quirky character frustrated many users due to its misunderstood approach to assisting with technology, often appearing uninvited even after being disabled.

It was only a matter of time before someone would merge large language models with this three-decade-old icon. Enter developer Felix Rieseberg, creator of a Clippy app featuring a Windows 95 design that enables users to operate real large language models right from their own computers. This application is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux and even functions without an internet connection.

True to its heritage, Clippy appears just as one remembers, floating above your active window and cycling through a range of animations. Initiate a conversation by clicking on him, similar to interacting with any typical language model. The offline capability allows for chatting with Clippy even while traveling by train or plane.

It’s essential to clarify that this project isn’t meant to serve as a practical tool. Rieseberg describes it as an artistic endeavor designed simply for enjoyment. “If it brings you even a slight smile, I’m delighted,” states the “about” section of the project.

Despite its playful nature, Clippy stands out as one of the simplest methods for locally operating large language models on a machine. Just download the application, perform the installation, and select the preferred model in the nostalgic settings inspired by Windows 95. The default model, Google’s Gemma, functions adequately for general use.