Get started with GenAI

Picking a GenAI Model Provider

There are many more GenAI tools/providers out there than "just" ChatGPT, and part of using GenAI is picking which GenAI provider to use! But don't worry!

You can change your mind if you "get it wrong"
We'll help!

Here we'll list some of the main tools that are available for easy access to chatting with GenAI models. Our recommendation? Pick one that you like the looks of / that you've heard of before, and then if that doesn't work out, try a different one!

And remember; the GenAI landscape is ever changing. What is best/easiest/cheapest (maybe even free!) today, may not be the best/cheapest/free tomorrow! Come back here once in a while to get an up to date summary of straightforward what-you-see-is-what-you-get models!

TLDR;

Can't be bothered to read it all, and just want to get something quick? Look at how to get up and running with ChatGPT by expanding the section below!

ChatGPT (OpenAI)

ChatGPT is a popular AI chatbot that's like having a knowledgeable friend at your fingertips. It can engage in all sorts of conversations, from casual chats to helping with homework or brainstorming ideas. You simply type in your questions or thoughts, and ChatGPT responds with human-like text, drawing from its vast knowledge base. While it's impressively smart, it's important to remember it's an AI, not a human, and it can sometimes make mistakes. Still, it's a great introduction to the world of generative AI and can be both helpful and fun to interact with!

How to Get Started

Using ChatGPT is as simple as:

Going to https://chatgpt.com/
Logging in or creating an account (it's free).
Starting to enter your queries in the highlighted box.

"But I want more!"

The free use of ChatGPT of course comes with some limitations, like:

No access to GPT-4 (limited to older models)
Slower response times and potential access delays during peak hours
More limited conversation history retention

If you need any of these functionalities, then some sort of paid version like ChatGPT Plus may be worth thinking about. But do try out the free version first! It may be that it's more than enough to fulfil your GenAI needs.

Claude (Anthropic)

The Claude models from Anthropic are advanced AI systems designed to understand and generate human-like text. They come in different versions like Claude 3 Haiku, Sonnet, and Opus, each offering varying levels of speed and intelligence. The latest, Claude 3.5 Sonnet, excels in tasks requiring high-level reasoning and coding. These models are versatile, handling tasks from customer support to complex data analysis efficiently.

How to Get Started

Similarly to ChatGPT, using Claude is as simple as:

Going to https://claude.ai/
Logging in or creating an account (it's free). When creating your account for the first time, you'll be asked to provide a phone number for receiving a verification code.
Starting to enter your queries in the highlighted box.

"But I want More!"

Claude is available in both free and paid versions. The free version offers access to basic features and allows you to interact with the AI for general tasks like writing, summarizing, or answering questions. The paid version, typically called Claude Pro, offers enhanced capabilities, including faster response times, more complex interactions, and a larger input/output size, making it more powerful for advanced tasks. At a high level it provides:

- Larger input/output size (can handle more text at once).
- Faster responses and performance.
- More reliable access, especially during high-traffic periods.
- Additional features or tools for advanced users.

Again though, go with the free version first, to see if you actually need the paid offering!

Gemini (Google ... used to be called "Bard")

Google’s Gemini is an advanced AI model designed to boost creativity and productivity. It is multimodal, meaning it can understand and generate text, code, audio, images, and video. Gemini is available in different versions, including a free basic version and a more feature-rich paid version called Gemini Advanced. This model is used for tasks like writing, planning, and learning, making it a versatile tool for various applications.

How to Get Started

I've you've looked at the above ones, you know the drill by now...:

Going to https://gemini.google.com/
Log in using your Google account
Starting to enter your queries in the highlighted box.

"But I want More!"

Gemini of course also (like the other models) comes in a paid version. In the words of Gemini itself:

"Gemini is a powerful AI language model from Google. It's available in both free and paid versions, each offering distinct capabilities and features.

Key Features of the Paid Version (Gemini Advanced)

Enhanced Reasoning and Problem-Solving: Gemini Advanced excels at complex tasks and can provide more in-depth, insightful responses.
Superior Coding Assistance: It's particularly adept at handling intricate coding projects.
Deeper Understanding of Creative Text Formats: The paid version can generate more nuanced and sophisticated creative content.
Integration with Google Tools: Gemini Advanced can be seamlessly integrated with Google's suite of products, streamlining workflows.

To learn more about Gemini Advanced and sign up, visit:

https://gemini.google/advanced/?hl=en"

Copilot (Microsoft)

Microsoft Copilot is an AI assistant designed to enhance productivity and creativity. It integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365 apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, helping users draft documents, analyze data, and create presentations. Copilot can understand and generate text, automate repetitive tasks, and provide insights, making it a versatile tool for both personal and professional use.

How to Get Started

Go to https://copilot.microsoft.com/
No need to log in!
Start entering your queries in the highlighted box.

"But I want More!"

The main features of the paid version of Copilot (Copilot Pro) that are not available in the free version are:

Priority Access : Faster performance and priority access to GPT-4, GPT-4 Turbo, and GPT-4o during peak times.
Microsoft 365 Integration : AI features integrated into core Microsoft 365 desktop and web apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Enhanced Image Creation : Ability to create up to 100 AI-generated images per day using the Designer tool, compared to 15 images per day in the free version.
Image Resizing : Option to resize AI-created images between square and landscape formats without leaving the Designer tool.
Better Quality Image Generation : Improved image generation quality with DALL-E 3.

Out of these, the one that may be most impacting to you is the "Enhanced Image Creation", where if you want to generate multiple images regularly, the free version will quickly hit its limits, preventing you from generating more images until the next day. Again though, remember that the free version is still likely to cover a lot of your basic needs!

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