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System Requirements

To ensure optimal performance of Whisper2Linux, your system should meet or exceed the following requirements. These specifications are designed to handle the real-time audio processing, speech recognition, and natural language processing tasks that Whisper2Linux performs.

Software Requirements​

  • Operating System:
    • Manjaro GNOME (tested)
    • Any Linux distribution with an X11 desktop environment (compatibility may vary)
  • Python Version: Python 3.8 or higher
  • Required Python Packages:
    • requests: For making HTTP requests to API endpoints
    • sounddevice: For audio recording and playback
    • soundfile: For audio file handling
    • numpy: For numerical operations, particularly audio data manipulation
    • Xlib: For X Window System interaction
    • rapidfuzz: For fuzzy string matching in command processing

Hardware Requirements​

  • CPU: 8 cores or more recommended

    • The multi-threaded nature of Whisper2Linux benefits from multiple cores for concurrent processing of audio, speech recognition, and command execution.

  • Memory: 64GB RAM recommended

    • Ample RAM ensures smooth operation when dealing with audio buffers, language models, and concurrent processing tasks.

  • Storage: 256GB NVMe/SSD or faster

    • Fast storage improves overall system responsiveness and reduces latency in audio processing and model loading.

  • GPU:

    • Optimal Performance: NVIDIA RTX 3090 or RTX 4090
      • These high-end GPUs provide excellent performance for running large language models and speech recognition tasks.
    • Minimum Required: NVIDIA GPU with at least 10GB VRAM
      • Examples include GTX 1080Ti, RTX 3060, or RTX 3080
      • The GPU is crucial for accelerating machine learning models used in speech recognition and natural language processing.

  • Audio Input:

    • A working microphone (built-in or external)
    • Whisper2Linux is configured to use the default system microphone, but this can be customized in the code if needed.

Network Requirements​

  • Internet Connection:
    • A stable and fast internet connection is required for API calls to external services (Whisper API, TTS API, and Ollama API).
    • Recommended minimum speed: 10 Mbps download, 5 Mbps upload

Additional Software​

  • xdotool:
    • This tool is used for simulating keyboard input and must be installed separately.
    • Installation on Arch-based systems: sudo pacman -S xdotool
    • Installation on Debian-based systems: sudo apt-get install xdotool

Optional: Remote Processing​

If you choose to run the processing requirements remotely (e.g., on the Akash Network):

  • Akash Network Account: Required for deploying services on the Akash decentralized cloud
  • AKT Tokens: Necessary for paying for compute resources on the Akash Network
  • Docker: Knowledge of Docker and containerization is beneficial for managing remote deployments

Performance Considerations​

The performance of Whisper2Linux can vary based on your hardware configuration:

  • CPU-intensive tasks: Audio recording, preprocessing, and some lightweight NLP operations
  • GPU-intensive tasks: Speech recognition and complex language model inference
  • Memory usage: Scales with the complexity of language models and the length of audio being processed
  • Storage speed: Affects the responsiveness of the application, especially during startup and when loading models

Compatibility Notes​

  • While Whisper2Linux is designed for X11-based desktop environments, compatibility with Wayland is not guaranteed and may require additional configuration or workarounds.
  • The application's performance and compatibility may vary across different Linux distributions. Testing has primarily been done on Manjaro GNOME, so some adjustments may be necessary for other distributions.

While Whisper2Linux may run on systems with lower specifications, the recommended hardware ensures a smooth, responsive experience with minimal latency. Users with systems below the recommended specifications may experience:

  • Longer processing times for voice commands
  • Increased latency in AI responses
  • Potential stuttering or delays in audio playback
  • Limited ability to run more complex language models

Upgrading Your System​

If your current system doesn't meet these requirements, consider the following upgrades to improve your Whisper2Linux experience:

  1. Increase RAM to at least 32GB if 64GB is not feasible
  2. Upgrade to an SSD if you're still using an HDD
  3. Invest in a dedicated GPU with at least 8GB VRAM if integrated graphics are currently being used
  4. Ensure your CPU has at least 4 cores and 8 threads

By meeting or exceeding these system requirements, you'll be well-equipped to enjoy the full capabilities of Whisper2Linux, experiencing responsive, accurate, and efficient voice-controlled interactions with your Linux desktop.