The word local sounds straightforward, but it can mean different things in everyday conversation. A chat application installed locally is not automatically the same as an AI model running entirely on your computer.
Ollama, for example, can be used with both local and cloud models. According to its documentation, your questions are not sent to Ollama’s servers when you run local models. If you choose a cloud model, however, processing takes place remotely.
Before pasting in a sensitive document, check which mode you are using. Look for information about the model, provider and cloud connection in the settings. If it is unclear, start with harmless sample text.
Using AI thoughtfully does not have to be complicated. A quick check makes it easier to choose the right tool for the right material. And when you understand your working environment, you can experiment with more confidence.
Source: https://docs.ollama.com/faq