I need a volunteer or two to help me test out some software installation procedures for my newest book

[Thomas Messerschmidt]

I’m finishing a section of my book, "A VERY Gentle Introduction to LLM AI" that walks readers through downloading, installing, and coding with the GPT4All API. Before I publish it, I’d love a few volunteers to “dry run” my instructions on their own computers and tell me what breaks, what’s confusing, and what needs clearer screenshots/steps.

What you’ll do (simple + fun 😄)

• Follow my step-by-step install instructions (GPT4All + the Python API setup)

• Run a small “hello world” style example

• Tell me what worked / what didn’t

Prerequisites (important!)

• You must already have Visual Studio Code installed

• You must already have Python set up and working in VS Code (you can run a simple Python script successfully)

• Please do NOT already have GPT4All installed on that computer (I need testers starting from a clean slate so the instructions are truly beginner-proof)

Computer requirements (so this doesn’t turn into a sad robot noise situation 🥲)

• RAM: 16 GB recommended (8 GB is the minimum, but 16 GB is much smoother for bigger models)

• Operating system: Windows 10+ or macOS 12.6+ or Ubuntu 22.04+

• CPU: must support AVX/AVX2 (most modern Intel/AMD CPUs do)

• Free disk space: at least ~10 GB free (the app + one or two models can be several GB each)

• GPU: optional (it can run on CPU-only), but if you have a decent GPU you’ll likely get faster responses

  • If you do have one: NVIDIA/AMD or Apple Silicon is great; 8 GB+ VRAM is a nice-to-have

Time commitment

• About 30–60 minutes, depending on downloads and whether your machine decides to be dramatic that day 😅

If you can help, please reply with:

• Your OS (Windows/macOS/Linux)

• RAM amount (ex: 16 GB)

• Whether you have a GPU (and what kind, if you know)

• Confirmation that you have VS Code + Python working already, and GPT4All is not installed yet

• When you might be available

Thank you in advance—this is one of those “measure twice, publish once” moments, and your feedback will directly improve the book. 🙌

Thomas

Thomasfromla at gmail dot com 

Thomas Messerschmidt

-  

Need something prototyped, built or coded? I’ve been building prototypes for companies for 15 years. I am now incorporating generative AI into products.

Contact me directly or through LinkedIn:   

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ai-robotics/

[Jeremy Williams]

I’d be most happy to assist Thomas. 

I have a few machines. Linux, Windows 10 with a GPU and Macs. 

I’d prefer to use my MacBook Pro if that works for you. 

I’m in EST, but I’m flexible. My evenings are best. 

Cheers,

Jeremy Williams

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[Steve " 'dillo" Okay]

When do you need this by ?

I'm currently traveling and using my laptop for other things, but maybe when I get back. 

LMK,

'dillo

[Thomas Messerschmidt]

OK. Thanks. :) 

Let me know when you get back. 

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[Mark Johnston]

Thanks Thomas,

I have completed the read, install and scripts and returned my feedback.

Bang up job and kudos to you Thomas for this very good and very informative mini-book.

Well Done,   Mark

[Thomas Messerschmidt]

Thank you very much, Mark. I appreciate the work you put into it and that you got it done in such a short amount of time.

Thomas Messerschmidt

-  

Need something prototyped, built or coded? I’ve been building prototypes for companies for 15 years. I am now incorporating generative AI into products.

Contact me directly or through LinkedIn:   

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ai-robotics/

On Feb 1, 2026, at 2:24 AM, Mark Johnston <mjst...@gmail.com> wrote:

Thanks Thomas,

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