> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.nesa.ai/nesa/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.nesa.ai/nesa/run-a-nesa-node/faq.md).

# FAQ

### Introduction

This section addresses common questions about setting up and running a Nesa node.

***

### **What is a Nesa node?**

A Nesa node is a server that participates in the Nesa blockchain network, either by validating transactions (Validator) or by handling inference tasks for AI models (Miner).

### **What are the hardware requirements for running a Nesa node?**

* **CPU**: Multi-core processor
* **Memory**: 4 GB RAM minimum
* **Storage**: 50 GB free disk space (or more depending on the size of the model(s) you plan to power)

### **How do I view my node's performance?**

Visit <https://node.nesa.ai> and enter your Node ID.

You can find your Node ID by re-running the [bootstrap script](/nesa/run-a-nesa-node/installation.md) and reading it from the script's header.

### **How do I install Docker?**

* **Linux**:

  ```bash
  # Add Docker's official GPG key:
  sudo apt-get update
  sudo apt-get install ca-certificates curl
  sudo install -m 0755 -d /etc/apt/keyrings
  sudo curl -fsSL https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu/gpg -o /etc/apt/keyrings/docker.asc
  sudo chmod a+r /etc/apt/keyrings/docker.asc
    
  # Add the repository to APT sources:
  echo \
    "deb [arch=$(dpkg --print-architecture) signed-by=/etc/apt/keyrings/docker.asc] https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu \
    $(. /etc/os-release && echo "$VERSION_CODENAME") stable" | \
    sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/docker.list > /dev/null
  sudo apt-get update
  sudo apt-get install docker-ce docker-ce-cli containerd.io docker-buildx-plugin docker-compose-plugin
  # Example command to install Docker on macOS using Homebrew
  brew install --cask docker
  # Example command to install Docker on Windows using PowerShell
  choco install docker-desktop
  ```
* **macOS**:

  ```bash
  brew install --cask docker
  ```
* **Windows (WSL)**:

  ```powershell
  choco install docker-desktop
  ```

### **How do I configure my node as a Validator or Miner?**

During the bootstrap script execution, you will be prompted to select a node type:

* **Validator**: Enter the private key for the validator.
* **Miner**: Choose between Distributed Miner or Non-Distributed Miner, and select or enter a model.

### **What should I do if the bootstrap script fails to run?**

* **Verify network connectivity**
* **Check curl installation**
* **Run the script with appropriate permissions**

```bash
# For all operating systems
curl -L https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nesaorg/bootstrap/master/bootstrap.sh | bash
```

### **How do I check if my node is running correctly?**

Verify Docker containers status:

```bash
docker ps
```

Ensure all required Docker containers are running.

### **What are swarms, and how do I join or start one?**

A swarm is an orchestrator and miner(s) working collaboratively to handle inference tasks. During the bootstrap script execution, you may:

* **Join an existing swarm**: Select from a list of available swarms.
* **Start a new swarm**: Enter the model name to run.

### Advanced: Can I override my node's model cache directory?

Yes, set your preferred cache directory using the `HF_HOME` variable in `~/.nesa/env/orchestrator.env`.

***

#### Additional Help/Support

If you need any additional help or support, please visit the [Nesa Discord](https://discord.gg/nesa) for community support and discussion. You can also explore additional documentation to deepen your understanding of Nesa and its features.