• Earn real money by being active: Hello Guest, earn real money by simply being active on the forum — post quality content, get reactions, and help the community. Once you reach the minimum credit amount, you’ll be able to withdraw your balance directly. Learn how it works.

Linux How to Run DeepSeek AI Locally on Kali Linux – Step-by-Step Guide

dEEpEst

☣☣ In The Depths ☣☣
Staff member
Administrator
Super Moderator
Hacker
Specter
Crawler
Shadow
Joined
Mar 29, 2018
Messages
13,861
Solutions
4
Reputation
32
Reaction score
45,552
Points
1,813
Credits
55,350
‎7 Years of Service‎
 
56%
How to Run DeepSeek AI Locally on Kali Linux – Step-by-Step Guide
March 27, 2025 by Walid Salame

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly become an essential component in cybersecurity, data analysis, and countless other fields. Traditionally, AI models have required powerful GPUs or cloud-based solutions to run effectively. However, privacy concerns and the need for local processing have driven the development of lightweight, open‐source AI models that can run on older hardware without dedicated GPUs. One such model is DeepSeek AI.

Run DeepSeek AI Locally on Kali Linux
In this guide, we'll explore how to install DeepSeek AI on your Kali Linux system using just two simple commands even if you're working with older hardware and without a GPU. We'll also dive into why this approach is beneficial, discuss different model variants, troubleshoot common issues, and examine practical applications. Whether you're a cybersecurity enthusiast, a developer looking to experiment with local AI, or someone curious about alternative AI solutions, this guide has something for you.

Introduction to DeepSeek AI
  • Why Choose DeepSeek AI?
  • Open-Source and Transparent
  • No Cloud Dependency
  • Lightweight and Efficient
  • Easy Installation with Minimal Commands
  • Understanding System Requirements
  • Installing Essential Services: Ollama
  • Step 1: Install Ollama Services
  • Verifying the Ollama Installation
  • Installing DeepSeek AI on Kali Linux
  • Step 2: Install DeepSeek AI
  • Verifying and Testing Your Installation
  • Step 3: Test DeepSeek AI
  • Troubleshooting Tips
  • Exploring DeepSeek AI Model Variants
  • Available Models and Their Use Cases
  • Choosing the Right Model
  • Common Troubleshooting and FAQs
  • Troubleshooting Steps
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Practical Use Cases and Applications
  • Cybersecurity and Network Monitoring
  • Educational and Research Applications
  • Automation and Scripting
  • Privacy-Focused Data Processing
  • Conclusion and Further Resources
  • Next Steps
  • Additional Resources

Introduction to DeepSeek AI
The growing influence of AI in every sector from natural language processing to cybersecurity has made it essential for researchers and practitioners to work with models that are both powerful and flexible. However, many leading AI models require high-end hardware, which can be prohibitive for users with older or less capable systems.

DeepSeek AI stands apart in this regard. It is a fully open-source model designed to run locally on Linux-based systems like Kali Linux. With DeepSeek, you are not locked into expensive cloud services, and your data remains private and secure on your own machine. The ability to run AI without a dedicated GPU opens up opportunities for educational institutions, small businesses, and cybersecurity professionals working in constrained environments.

By providing local processing capabilities, DeepSeek AI helps users experiment with cutting-edge AI while maintaining full control over their system. This is especially important in fields where data privacy is paramount and where network latency can hinder real-time decision-making.

Why Choose DeepSeek AI?
Open-Source and Transparent

One of the standout features of DeepSeek AI is its open-source nature. Unlike many proprietary models that operate as "black boxes," DeepSeek AI's source code is available for review and modification. This transparency not only builds trust but also allows developers to tailor the model to their specific needs. For those in cybersecurity, being able to audit the code can be critical for ensuring that the tool does not introduce vulnerabilities or leak sensitive data.

No Cloud Dependency
Running AI models locally means you don't have to depend on cloud services. This independence is particularly important for cybersecurity professionals who handle sensitive information. By processing data on your own machine, you eliminate potential risks associated with data transmission and storage on third-party servers.

Lightweight and Efficient
Despite its advanced reasoning capabilities, DeepSeek AI is optimized to run on older hardware even those lacking dedicated GPUs. This efficiency means that you can leverage sophisticated AI functionalities without investing in expensive, high-performance machines. Whether you're using a 12-year-old laptop or a budget-friendly desktop, DeepSeek AI offers an accessible entry point into the world of local AI.

Easy Installation with Minimal Commands
The installation process for DeepSeek AI is remarkably straightforward. With only two commands, you can set up the necessary services and start using the model. This ease of use makes it ideal for users who may not be experts in Linux administration or AI deployment. In the sections below, we'll walk you through each step in detail.

Understanding System Requirements
Before you begin, it's important to understand the hardware requirements for running DeepSeek AI on Kali Linux. The original testing was performed on a 12-year-old system with the following specifications:

  • Processor: Intel Core i5 (4th Gen)
  • RAM: 8GB DDR3
  • Operating System: Kali Linux

Even on such modest hardware, DeepSeek AI runs efficiently thanks to its lightweight design. However, keep in mind that the performance and response times will vary depending on the model variant you choose to run. More powerful variants (with more parameters) require additional RAM and disk space. A quick overview:

Model VariantApproximate Download SizeMinimum RAM RequiredRecommended Use
1.5B1.1GB4GBBasic AI tasks on low-end systems
7B4.7GB8GBBalanced performance for everyday tasks
8B4.9GB10GBMid-range tasks with improved accuracy
14B9GB16GBAdvanced reasoning for intensive tasks
32B20GB32GBAI development and research
70B43GB+64GBHigh-end AI research
671B404GB+1.5TBData center-level applications

For this guide, we focus on the 1.5B variant, which is most suitable for low-end machines.

Installing Essential Services: Ollama
Before installing DeepSeek AI itself, you must install Ollama a lightweight backend service that manages and optimizes AI model deployments on your system. Ollama serves as the runtime environment that makes running AI models straightforward, abstracting many of the complexities typically involved in model management.

Step 1: Install Ollama Services
To install Ollama, open your terminal and execute the following command:

Code:
curl -fsSL https://ollama.com/install.sh | sh

This command does several things:
  • It downloads the installation script from the official Ollama website.
  • The script is executed immediately to install the necessary binaries and configure system services.
  • Once installed, Ollama automatically starts its service in the background.

Verifying the Ollama Installation
After the installation script finishes running, you can verify that Ollama is installed and running by checking its version and service status:

Code:
ollama --version
systemctl is-active ollama.service

If everything is configured correctly, the second command should output active. This confirms that the Ollama service is running, and you're ready to install DeepSeek AI.

(For additional details on the Ollama installation process and troubleshooting, see the LinuxConfig guide on installing DeepSeek AI on Ubuntu/Debian linuxconfig.org.)

Installing DeepSeek AI on Kali Linux
With Ollama up and running, the next step is to install DeepSeek AI. Since we're working on a low-end system without a GPU, we will install the 1.5B variant of DeepSeek AI. This model is optimized for lightweight AI tasks and will run efficiently even on older hardware.

Step 2: Install DeepSeek AI
To install the 1.5B variant of DeepSeek AI, simply execute the following command in your terminal:

Code:
ollama run deepseek-r1:1.5b

This command performs several functions:
  • Model Download: It initiates the download of the DeepSeek 1.5B model, which is approximately 1.1GB in size.
  • Setup: Once downloaded, the model is automatically configured for use.
  • Initialization: The command launches an interactive session where you can begin using the model immediately.

Because the model is being deployed locally on your machine, there is no dependency on cloud services. This ensures that all your data and processing remain secure and private.

(For a deeper dive into model variations and hardware considerations, refer to extended guides available on linuxblog.io.)

Verifying and Testing Your Installation
Once the installation completes, it's essential to verify that DeepSeek AI is working as expected. Testing is straightforward—just interact with the model directly from your terminal.

Step 3: Test DeepSeek AI
To begin using DeepSeek AI, type a prompt into your terminal. For example:

Hello, how can I improve my cybersecurity skills?

If the installation was successful, DeepSeek AI will process your input and provide a response. This confirms that the model is up and running on your Kali Linux system without any reliance on a GPU.

Troubleshooting Tips
  • Slow Response Times: On older hardware, you might experience slight delays in generating responses. This is normal, as the model runs on the CPU alone.
  • Service Not Active: If the systemctl is-active ollama.service command does not return active, restart the service.
  • Insufficient Resources: Make sure that no other heavy applications are running. Close unnecessary background tasks to free up RAM and CPU cycles.

To restart the service:
Code:
sudo systemctl start ollama.service

By confirming that the model responds correctly to input, you know that DeepSeek AI is functioning as intended on your local system.

Exploring DeepSeek AI Model Variants
DeepSeek AI is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Depending on your system's capabilities and your specific requirements, you can choose from a range of model variants. Each variant strikes a balance between performance, accuracy, and resource usage.

Available Models and Their Use Cases

Model VariantDownload SizeRAM RequirementIdeal For
1.5B1.1GB4GBBasic tasks, lightweight inference on old PCs
7B4.7GB8GBBalanced everyday tasks
8B4.9GB10GBEnhanced reasoning with moderate resource use
14B9GB16GBAdvanced tasks that require better understanding
32B20GB32GBHigh-level AI development and research
70B43GB64GBIntensive AI research, complex data analysis
671B404GB1.5TBEnterprise-level applications and data centers

For users with low-end systems, starting with the 1.5B variant is advisable. As you grow more comfortable with the technology or upgrade your hardware, you might explore larger models to achieve improved reasoning and more nuanced responses.

Choosing the Right Model
  • Low-End Systems: Stick to the 1.5B or 7B variants. They require significantly less memory and processing power.
  • Research and Development: If your work involves more complex computations or deep research, the 14B or 32B models might be more appropriate.
  • Enterprise Applications: For cutting-edge projects where accuracy is paramount, consider using the 70B model—provided you have the necessary hardware.

Understanding the trade-offs between speed, resource consumption, and performance is key to selecting the appropriate DeepSeek variant for your needs.

Common Troubleshooting and FAQs
Even with a straightforward installation process, you might encounter issues. Here are some common troubleshooting tips and answers to frequently asked questions.

Troubleshooting Steps
Service Not Running:

  • Issue: The Ollama service isn't active.
  • Solution: Restart the service using:
    Code:
    sudo systemctl restart ollama.service

Installation Fails Mid-Download:
  • Issue: Network interruptions cause the download to fail.
  • Solution: Re-run the installation command. Ensure you have a stable internet connection before restarting the process.

Slow Response Times:
  • Issue: The model responds slowly due to limited CPU resources.
  • Solution: Close other applications, increase swap space if possible, or try using a lighter model variant like 1.5B.

Memory Errors:
  • Issue: The system runs out of memory when processing large prompts.
  • Solution: Ensure that your system meets the minimum RAM requirements and consider freeing up system resources by stopping non-essential services.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I run DeepSeek AI on a system with less than 8GB of RAM?

A: Yes, by using the 1.5B variant, though performance may be limited. For optimal performance, 4GB of free RAM is recommended for the 1.5B model, but having more memory always helps.

Q: Do I need a dedicated GPU to run DeepSeek AI?
A: No. One of the primary advantages of DeepSeek AI is that it can run entirely on CPU, making it ideal for systems without a dedicated GPU.

Q: Is it possible to upgrade to a larger model later?
A: Absolutely. You can start with a lightweight model like 1.5B and later install a more robust variant (like 7B or 14B) if your hardware allows.

Q: What are the privacy benefits of running DeepSeek AI locally?
A: Running DeepSeek locally means your data never leaves your system, ensuring complete privacy and reducing the risk of data breaches.

Q: How do I uninstall DeepSeek AI if needed?
A: Since DeepSeek AI runs via Ollama, you can remove it by deleting the model from your local repository. Check the Ollama documentation for specific commands to remove installed models.

These troubleshooting tips and FAQs should help you overcome common challenges during installation and daily use.

Practical Use Cases and Applications
The ability to run AI models locally on low-end hardware opens up a wide range of applications, particularly in cybersecurity and data analysis. Here are some practical use cases:

Cybersecurity and Network Monitoring
Intrusion Detection:

DeepSeek AI can analyze network traffic data and generate alerts based on unusual patterns or potential breaches. Running the model locally ensures that sensitive security data remains within your network.

Incident Response:
Use DeepSeek AI to quickly analyze logs and generate actionable insights during a security incident. The local processing capability allows for real-time response without the delays of cloud-based solutions.

Educational and Research Applications
Learning and Experimentation:

For students and researchers, DeepSeek AI provides an accessible way to explore advanced AI concepts without needing high-end hardware. You can run experiments, fine-tune prompts, and learn about natural language processing in a controlled environment.

Academic Research:
Researchers can use local AI models to test hypotheses related to language processing, cybersecurity, and more. The open-source nature of DeepSeek AI means you can modify the code for custom research applications.

Automation and Scripting
Automated Report Generation:

DeepSeek AI can be integrated into scripts to automatically generate reports based on system logs or network data. This is particularly useful for IT administrators who need to produce periodic summaries without manual intervention.

Chatbots and Virtual Assistants:
Deploying DeepSeek AI locally allows you to build custom chatbots for internal use. Whether it's for customer service, technical support, or interactive educational tools, the model can be adapted to a wide variety of conversational tasks.

Privacy-Focused Data Processing
Sensitive Data Analysis:

Organizations dealing with sensitive or regulated data benefit greatly from local AI processing. Since no data is sent over the internet, there is minimal risk of data leakage or external breaches.

Offline Capabilities:
For environments where internet connectivity is limited or restricted (such as secure government facilities), running DeepSeek AI locally ensures that critical AI functions remain available without external dependencies.

Conclusion and Further Resources
Running DeepSeek AI on Kali Linux without a GPU represents a significant step forward for those who require robust AI capabilities in resource-constrained environments. By leveraging a lightweight open-source model and a simple two-command installation process, you can harness the power of advanced AI without investing in expensive hardware or relying on cloud services.

This guide has walked you through the installation and testing phases, explained why local AI processing is essential for privacy and efficiency, and offered insights into choosing the right model variant for your needs. Additionally, we've provided troubleshooting tips and real-world use cases to help you get the most out of your local AI setup.

Next Steps
Experiment Further:

Now that DeepSeek AI is up and running on your system, try experimenting with different prompts. Explore its potential in generating cybersecurity reports, automating routine tasks, or even enhancing your personal projects.

Upgrade When Ready:
As you become more comfortable with the system, consider upgrading to a larger model variant if your hardware allows. This will enable more complex reasoning and nuanced responses.

Engage with the Community:
The open-source nature of DeepSeek AI means there is a vibrant community of users and developers. Join forums, follow relevant social media channels, and participate in discussions to learn new tips and share your own experiences.

Expand Your Knowledge:
Explore additional resources on running AI models locally, managing Linux-based systems for AI, and best practices in cybersecurity. Resources such as LinuxBlog.io and LinuxConfig offer excellent tutorials and detailed guides that can further enhance your skills.

Additional Resources
For further reading and exploration, consider these valuable resources:

  • DeepSeek AI on GitHub – Access the source code and contribute to development.
  • Ollama Documentation – Detailed guides on installing and managing the Ollama service.
  • LinuxConfig.org – Comprehensive tutorials on various Linux topics, including AI model deployment.
  • LinuxBlog.io – Articles on installing and optimizing AI models on Linux systems.

In conclusion, the ability to run advanced AI models locally without a GPU not only democratizes access to state-of-the-art technology but also ensures that your data remains secure and private. Whether you're in cybersecurity, academic research, or simply a technology enthusiast, DeepSeek AI offers a robust, scalable, and accessible solution that is well worth exploring.

Happy hacking, and enjoy your journey into the exciting world of local AI!

Note: This guide was last updated in March 2025 to reflect the latest advancements in local AI deployments on Linux systems. Be sure to check for any updates in the installation commands or system requirements from the official DeepSeek AI and Ollama websites.

By providing an in-depth look at every aspect from installation to troubleshooting and practical applications this comprehensive guide ensures that you have all the knowledge you need to successfully run DeepSeek AI on your Kali Linux system without the need for a GPU. Enjoy experimenting with this innovative AI tool and harness its power to drive smarter, more secure solutions in your projects.
 
Back
Top