You can access ChatGPT a few different ways, including through the website, third-party programs, mobile apps, and even Siri shortcuts. But now a new Java-based app lets you talk to the chatty AI directly in any version of Windows, from Windows 98 to Windows 11.
Known as JavaGPT, the app offers a simple and clean graphical user interface in which you type your questions and requests, and receive the responses — all on the same screen.
Also: The best AI chatbots: ChatGPT and alternatives to try
Available on GitHub, JavaGPT works in a smilar way to the ChatGPT website. Responses are generated in real time and each chat is automatically saved, so you can check out and load all your previous chats. You can even save your chats as text-based Java JSON files to read them in any text editor, such as Notepad.
Your chats are automatically named, though you can manually name each one if you prefer. If you've already conducted several chats with ChatGPT or other services, you're able to export your prompts and then import them into JavaGPT. Plus, you can switch between normal view and HTML view if you want to make is easier to read the chat text.
Also: How to use ChatGPT: Everything you need to know
With all the buzz about ChatGPT and AI chatbots, people have been trying to take advantage of the new craze. As one example, many developers have been incorporating access to the AI into their own chat apps and services. ChatGPT creator OpenAI actually encourages this process by providing free API keys that you can copy and paste to tap into the ChatGPT AI.
How to use JavaGPT
First download and install the Java Runtime Environment for Windows, if you don't already have it. Next, head to the GitHub page for the latest release of JavaGPT and download the JavaGPT zip file.
You'll now need an API key to communicate with ChatGPT, so browse to the OpenAI platform page. Either sign up for an account with OpenAI or log in with your existing account. Click the button for Create new secret key. At the window that pops up, click the button for Create secret key. The key then appears in the text file. Click the Copy button to copy that key.
Also: How to use ChatGPT to write code
Extract the JavaGPT zip file. From the extracted content, open the config.properties file in a text editor, such as Notepad. Look for the apikey= line and paste the API key you created from ChatGPT after the equal sign. You're now ready to start chatting.
Double-click the JavaGPT.jar to launch the JavaGPT console. At the bottom of the window, type the request or prompt that you want to send to ChatGPT and then click Submit. The response appears.
Also: Generative AI can make some workers a lot more productive
Click Reset to write and submit a different prompt. Click the Save chat button to save the chat as a separate file. Click the Import prompt button to import a prompt from another source.
At the top of the window, click the Load Chat button to view any previous chats and then click a specific chat to load it in the console window. From the Options menu, click HTML View to switch from Normal view to HTML view.
Move to Form Size and you can change the size of the window to Large, Medium, or Small. Move to Rename and you can choose whether you want each chat named automatically or manually with a title that you create. You can then type a title. Finally, click Delete to remove the current chat.
Since ChatGPT launched in November, AI chatbots have been the talk of the internet. ChatGPT's abilities to generate text, talk conversationally, write code and do so much more caused a huge demand for the chatbot.
Naturally, seeing ChatGPT's massive success, other companies rushed to compete in the generative AI space.
Also: The best AI chatbots of 2023: ChatGPT and alternatives
In February, Microsoft announced its integration of ChatGPT to its Bing search engine called Bing Chat. This chatbot has some major differences from ChatGPT, with the biggest difference being access to the entirety of the internet.
So which chatbot should you reach for your AI needs? We compared ChatGPT (the free version) and Bing Chat to help you make your decision easier.
You should use ChatGPT if…
1. You want to experience the hype for yourself
ChatGPT has been the leading AI chatbot since its launch and has served as the blueprint for the many AI chatbot spinoffs that have entered the space since. The hype is well deserved. ChatGPT is a very capable chatbot able to provide insight and assistance on a wide variety of topics including technical spaces such as writing and coding.
Also:How to use ChatGPT to write code
ChatGPT is currently free to use and does not include a pesky waitlist to get access. Therefore, if you are curious about how an AI chatbot could benefit you, you can try ChatGPT today to see for yourself.
2. You want clarity on topics or events from before 2021
ChatGPT was trained on the entirety of the web before 2021. Therefore, if you have any questions about topics or events that occurred before 2021, ChatGPT will be able to provide you a thorough, conversational response that covers all of your question's bases.
Also:How does ChatGPT work?
Your input prompts don't have to be limited to standard search engine entries, but can include specific math and coding prompts as well.
This ChatGPT ability can be specially useful when you need clarity on an established topic that you are learning or researching since ChatGPT can thoroughly explain a topic the way a tutor would. The best part is that unlike a tutor, ChatGPT is available at all times and is able to answer as many questions as you'd like.
3. You want long, in-depth responses
In our testing experience, ChatGPT provides the most in-depth responses compared to its competing chatbots, including Bing Chat.
Also:How to use ChatGPT
For example, if you ask ChatGPT a loaded question such as "What is life?" the chatbot will provide you with several paragraphs explaining different aspects and interpretations of the concept.
When you plug the same question into Bing Chat, you only get a three sentence response:
Life is the aspect of existence that processes, acts, reacts, evaluates, and evolves through growth (reproduction and metabolism). The crucial difference between life and non-life (or non-living things) is that life uses energy for physical and conscious development. Is there anything specific you would like to know about life?
Also:5 ways to use chatbots to make your life easier
In addition to answering questions more thoroughly than other chatbots, ChatGPT does not have a query cap, unlike Bing Chat, putting no limits on your curiosity. No matter how many follow up questions you have, ChatGPT will answer them all with an in-depth response.
You should use Bing Chat if…
1. You want information on current events
If you have any questions relating to current events, Bing Chat is your go-to chatbot.
In order to generate an answer, Bing Chat indexes the entirety of the web. As a result, the chatbot has access to the latest events, stories and research available at the very moment you asked your question.
Also:What is the new Bing? Here's what you need to know
Like ChatGPT, Bing Chat will provide human-like, conversational responses to answer your question. This skill can be especially helpful in answering questions about news going on right now. We have all heard something on the news before that left us with follow-up questions. That is where Bing Chat can really shine.
With the Apr. 21 update, Bing further optimized its news feature, allowing the chatbot to give better, more in-depth answers to news and sports-related questions.
2. You want to confirm your sources
A big concern with using ChatGPT is that you can't confirm the accuracy of its responses since it does not provide sources for its responses.
Also:How to make ChatGPT provide sources and citations
OpenAI has admitted in the past that its chatbot is prone to hallucinations and inaccurate responses as, after all, it is an AI model capable of making mistakes. Bing Chat attempts to solve that issue by providing sources.
When you ask a question in Bing Chat, it will generate a response with footnotes that lead you back to the exact source it got its response from. As soon as you click the footnote, you will be brought directly to the web article in another tab.
Also: I tried Bing's AI chatbot, and it solved my biggest problems with ChatGPT
This capability is especially useful when using the chatbot for tasks where accuracy is crucial such as a workplace or academic deliverable, research, or just a casual conversation to know what you are talking about.
Asking Bing Chat math-related questions will also present you with complex mathematical expressions and their markups. These equation visuals serve as sources for math as they clearly demonstrate the origin of the answer.
3. You want free access to OpenAI's latest model — GPT 4
GPT-4 is the newest version of OpenAI's language model systems, more advanced and reliable than GPT-3.5, the large language model (LLM) ChatGPT runs on.
Also:What is GPT-4? What you need to know
There are only two ways to access GPT-4's text-input features: ChatGPT Plus which has a cost of $20/month and Bing Chat which is free.
Therefore if you want to see what OpenAI's latest model is about without paying for it, Bing Chat is your only option. The day OpenAI announced its latest language model, Microsoft revealed that since its launch, Bing Chat has been running on GPT-4.
Alternatives to consider
Open to other AI chatbot prospects? There are plenty of other generative AI tools on the market that offer different strengths. Here are a few others you can try:
Best alternative
Google Bard
The search engine giant's own AI chatbot has an ever-expanding feature set to get work done.
View at Google
Best alternative
Chatsonic by Writesonic
GPT-4 powered chatbot that includes different personalities for responses.
View at Writesonic
Best alternative
You Chat
Like ChatGPT, You Chat provides you with answers to search queries in a conversational manner.
Whether you are a student or a working professional, you likely interact with PDFs frequently through the form of presentations, academic research, business reports, and more.
Regardless of whether it is a 90-page slide deck or a lengthy research paper, PDFs in the classroom or workplace are often tedious to wade through. ChatPDF is here to help.
Also: The best AI chatbots: ChatGPT and alternatives to try
As the name implies, ChatPDF allows you to chat with your PDF.
ChatPDF runs on OpenAI's GPT 3.5 large language model and can answer any question you have about the PDF you upload. The chatbot can even give you a full summary of the PDF without you having to read it.
Also: The 5 biggest risks of generative AI, according to an expert
Free plan users are limited to three PDF uploads of 120 pages or less a day. However, if you need more access, you can upgrade to a plus plan for $5 per month.
I put the chatbot to the test and was thoroughly impressed with the results.
Using ChatPDF for an academic paper
I recently wrote an article on AI based on a 58-page paper by the National Bureau of Economic Research. I chose to use this paper as my test subject for ChatPDF as I knew its contents well.
After uploading the paper to ChatPDF, it automatically generated a very brief summary for the paper and suggested questions I could ask.
ChatPDF's response: Welcome to the informative PDF file on Generative Al at Work! This paper, authored by Erik Brynjolfsson, Danielle Li, and Lindsey R. Raymond, explores the impact of generative Al on the workforce.
Here are three example questions you may have about this paper: > What is generative Al and how does it differ from other forms of Al? > What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of implementing generative Al in the workplace? > How can companies prepare their employees for the integration of generative Al technology?
Instead of using one of the suggestions, I asked the chatbot what study was conducted in the paper. I was met with accurate results and even a page number that told me where the chatbot got the information from in the paper, which was useful in case I wanted to refer back to it myself.
Also: How to use ChatGPT to write an essay
I then asked what the results of the study were and was met, yet again, with accurate results and a page reference.
My prompt: What study is conducted in the paper?
ChatPDF: The paper studies the staggered introduction of a generative Al-based conversational assistant using data from 5,179 customer support agents. The authors analyze the impact of access to the tool on productivity, as measured by issues resolved per hour, and examine how the Al model disseminates potentially tacit knowledge of more able workers and helps newer workers move down the experience curve. This study provides evidence that generative Al can increase productivity in the workplace. (Page 2)
My prompt: What are the results of the study?
ChatPDF: The study found that access to the generative Al-based conversational assistant increased productivity, as measured by issues resolved per hour, by 14 percent on average. The greatest impact was observed on novice and low-skilled workers, while experienced and highly skilled workers experienced minimal impact. The authors also provide suggestive evidence that the Al model disseminates the potentially tacit knowledge of more able workers and helps newer workers move down the experience curve. (Page 2-3)
Finally, I wanted to see if the chatbot could sum up the entire article accurately and concisely. When prompted, the chatbot did exactly that — it summarized the study and the findings in one, five-sentence paragraph.
My prompt: Can you sum up the entire paper for me?
ChatPDF: Certainly! The paper titled "Generative Al at Work" explores the impact of generative Al on the workforce. The authors study the staggered introduction of a generative Al-based conversational assistant using data from 5,179 customer support agents. They find that access to the tool increases productivity, as measured by issues resolved per hour, by 14 percent on average, with the greatest impact on novice and low-skilled workers. The authors also provide suggestive evidence that the Al model disseminates the potentially tacit knowledge of more able workers and helps newer workers move down the experience curve. Overall, this study provides evidence that generative Al can increase productivity in the workplace. (Page 2-3)
Using ChatPDF for a presentation
After the positive results I got from using ChatPDF to summarize an academic paper, I decided to try a presentation. I went all the way back in my Google Drive archives to find a final presentation I worked on in college, which made the perfect candidate for the test.
After uploading the PDF, the chatbot output a brief, one-sentence summary of my own presentation as well as suggested questions. When I asked for a more thorough summary, the chatbot delivered again, as seen below. It even included an anecdote about two videos in the presentation that I forgot were in there.
ChatPDF: Welcome to this informative PDF file about the rise of misogyny in the digital age! In this file, you will learn about the impact of media on female celebrities and their bodies. As you read through the content, you will gain a deeper understanding of the ethical issues surrounding the topic and how we can change the narrative. Enjoy!
Example questions: >What are some examples of female celebrities who have been subiected to media scrutiny about their bodies? > How does the media's portrayal of women's bodies contribute to the rise of misogyny in the digital age? > What steps can we take to shift the focus away from women's bodies and towards their accomplishments and talents?
My prompt: Can you sum up this PDF?
ChatPDF: This PDF discusses the rise of misogyny in the digital age and its impact on female celebrities. It explores how the media's portrayal of women's bodies contributes to this issue and offers suggestions for changing the narrative. The PDF includes a brief description of two videos that discuss weight bias and fat shaming.
To truly test its ability, I asked it a more specific question about one slide. The results, once again, were accurate.
My prompt: What media ethics lessons are mentioned?
ChatPDF: The PDF mentions six media ethics lessons on page 8. These include keeping the audience's reaction in mind, checking boundaries, determining if the content is story-worthy, consulting your conscience, checking wording, and being sensitive when handling sensitive topics.
ChatPDF vs ChatGPT
To use ChatGPT to sum up articles, you are supposed to type in "TDLR", and then follow that with the link of the article.
Also: How to use ChatGPT to summarize a book, article, or research paper
I used that method and the results were incorrect. ChatGPT gave me a summary for an article that wasn't even related to the topic at hand.
ChatGPT: The paper titled "The Effects of School Spending on Educational and Economic Outcomes: Evidence from School Finance Reforms" examines the impact of school finance reforms on educational and economic outcomes in the United States. The authors use a quasi-experimental design to study the effects of court-ordered changes in school spending on student outcomes, such as test scores and high school graduation rates, as well as later-life outcomes, such as earnings and employment. They find that increased school spending has a positive effect on educational outcomes, with particularly large impacts for low-income students. However, they find little evidence of a causal link between school spending and later-life outcomes
The incorrect results make sense, since ChatGPT doesn't have access to the internet or to information after 2021. However, this fault makes ChatGPT wildly unreliable for our use case.
If you need to summarize a PDF, I would recommend utilizing ChatPDF instead of ChatGPT as the results are accurate, quick, and free.
