Step 1
Choose your AI platform
All three platforms can handle everything on this site. Pick the one that fits your situation, then follow the setup guide — including personalisation so the AI knows how to work with you.
Step 1
All three platforms can handle everything on this site. Pick the one that fits your situation, then follow the setup guide — including personalisation so the AI knows how to work with you.
If you are new to agentic AI, start with Claude Cowork — the desktop application that gives you the most powerful working environment, with file access, memory, and skills built in. If you are not ready to install a desktop app, Claude in the browser is a strong second choice.
Anthropic · Desktop application
The most capable working environment. Cowork gives Claude access to your files, a persistent memory system, and the ability to run skills — including the public health skill on this site. Designed for professional knowledge work.
Claude Cowork setup guide →Claude (browser) · Gemini · ChatGPT / Codex · Perplexity
Prefer a browser-based tool or already use a different platform? The same setup principles apply across all of them. This page covers the essentials for each, with links to the providers' own documentation for anything more detailed.
Other platforms →Microsoft · Built into Microsoft 365
Already using Word, Excel, Outlook, or Teams? You may already have Copilot available through your organisation's M365 subscription — with enterprise-grade data protection built in.
Microsoft Copilot overview →| Feature | Claude Cowork | Claude (browser) | ChatGPT / Codex | Gemini | Microsoft 365 Copilot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installation | Desktop app (Mac/Windows) | Browser only | Browser only | Browser only | Built into M365 apps |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes (limited) | Yes | Yes | Requires paid M365 + Copilot add-on |
| File access | ✅ Full — reads/writes your files | Upload per session | Upload per session | Via Google Drive | ✅ Via SharePoint & OneDrive |
| Persistent memory | ✅ File-based, across sessions | Limited (Projects) | Memory feature (opt-in) | Limited | Notebooks feature |
| Personalisation | ✅ ABOUT ME.md, WRITING RULES.md, MEMORY.md files | Custom instructions (Settings) | Custom instructions (Settings) | Gems | Limited — include in each prompt |
| Enterprise privacy | Depends on plan | Depends on plan | Opt out required | Via Workspace plan | ✅ Data stays in M365 tenant |
| Skills / automation | ✅ Full skill system | Limited | Limited | Limited | Limited |
| Best for | ⭐ Recommended for this site | Starting point, no install | Web search, widely known | Google Workspace users | Existing M365 users |