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Leer Choosing a Platform and Getting Started | Setting Up and Using Your First Agent
AI Agents for Non-Technical Users

bookChoosing a Platform and Getting Started

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Before you can use an agent, you need to pick where to start. With so many options available, this can feel overwhelming – but in practice, the choice is simpler than it looks. Most platforms overlap significantly in what they can do, and the best one to start with is usually the one that fits most naturally into how you already work.

The Three Main Options

Claude is built by Anthropic and is particularly strong at working with long documents, following detailed instructions, and producing consistent, well-structured output. It is a good starting point if your work involves a lot of reading, writing and analysis.

ChatGPT from OpenAI has one of the largest ecosystem of integrations and the most widely documented use cases. If you want to find examples, tutorials and community tips for almost any task, ChatGPT has the most resources available.

Gemini from Google integrates directly with Gmail, Google Docs, Sheets and Drive. If your work lives primarily in Google Workspace, Gemini is the most frictionless choice because it is already where your files are.

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Note

All three platforms have free tiers that are sufficient for getting started. Paid plans unlock longer context windows, more powerful models and additional integrations – but you do not need them on day one.

What to Look for When Choosing

Rather than comparing features in the abstract, ask yourself:

  • Where do my files live? If Google Drive, start with Gemini. If OneDrive or SharePoint, start with Copilot;
  • What kind of tasks do I need help with most? Writing and analysis – Claude. Broad integrations – ChatGPT. Email and calendar – Gemini or Copilot;
  • Does my company already have a subscription? Microsoft 365 includes Copilot. Google Workspace includes Gemini. Use what you already have access to.
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Definition

Context window – the amount of text an agent can read and work with in a single session. A larger context window means the agent can handle longer documents or longer conversations without losing track of earlier information.

Getting Your Account Set Up

Once you have chosen a platform, setup takes less than five minutes:

  • Go to the platform's website or open it inside your existing tool;
  • Create a free account or sign in with your work credentials;
  • If available, set up a Project (Claude) or Workspace (other platforms) – this is where you will give the agent standing instructions about who you are and what you need.

The concept of standing instructions is important and something you will practice in the next chapter.

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Study More

If you are unsure which platform your company supports or recommends, check with your IT or operations team before setting up a personal account with work data. Many organizations have specific policies about which AI tools are approved for use with company information.

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You work primarily in Google Docs and Gmail and want to start using an AI agent with the least setup effort. Which platform is the most logical starting point?

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