Inside Linux-AI OS: I tested a distro with built-in local AI

Linux-AI OS is an Ubuntu-based distro with a dash of AI. Although it’s a 1.0 release, Linux-AI OS shows promise. It includes locally installed AI (Ollama) that’s ready out of the box. When you think of Linux, AI probably doesn’t come to mind. Some distributions have even taken a hard stance against AI playing any role in the OS. For example, the maintainer of Void Linux orphaned over 100 packages due to their use of AI, which breaks the distribution’s AI policy. But some distributions have embraced AI. In some cases, it’s usually just the inclusion of an AI chatbot, whereas in others (such as Shadowfetch), AI plays a much more important role. And then there’s Linux-AI OS. Given the name, you’d assume that this distribution would have AI deeply embedded into every system, service, and app. In this case, that’s sort of the reality…sort of. The tagline for Linux-AI OS is “A powerful, beautiful, privacy-focused Linux operating system built for the future — combining the freedom of open source with intelligent desktop tools.” What tools, you ask? Linux-AI OS adds AI to the App Installer, Backup & Restore, Control Center, System Optimizer, and the Welcome Wizard. Throw in a…