A model is the software that produces AI answers. This guide compares models and tools. New to this? Choose a setup path first. Use the lists below when you want more detail.

New words, in plain language

Local / cloud: Local runs on your computer. Cloud runs on computers managed online.
Model / tokens: A model produces AI answers. Tokens are small pieces of text; some services charge for the tokens used.
Account / identity: An account is a sign-in. Your cloud identity is the account you use for online services.
Connector / permissions: A connector links an AI tool to another service. Permissions are the access you allow.

Field Guide · Week of 5 October 2026

Phi-4 Mini

Microsoft · United States · Microsoft

The model we put on an 8 GB machine. It will not write a novel. It will draft and explain.

Where it runs: Runs on your computer
Memory: 8 GB
Size: 3.8B dense
License: MIT
Hugging Face downloads: 363k
Hugging Face likes: 847
Card last updated: 10 December 2025

On your computer · #9 United States · #7

Why it is on this week’s list

Honest about what 8 GB can do. We will not sell you a 27B on this box.

Use it when

An older laptop, a first practice install, a student machine.

Skip it when

You have 16 GB. Step up.

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