What to Do If Your Company Blocks ChatGPT
Hey everyone, Ritz here. Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s been on the minds of many: what to do if your company blocks access to ChatGPT. I mean, come on, who wants to go back to the dark ages of information retrieval? You know, the days of asking your coworkers for help or, heaven forbid, using a search engine?
The Problem with Blocking AI
So, let’s set the stage. You’re at work, you need some quick info, and you try to access ChatGPT only to find that your company has decided to play the role of the internet police. Sure, they’re trying to prevent security risks, but in doing so, they’re stifling innovation and access to the latest AI tools. It’s like putting a lock on the candy store and telling everyone to enjoy their celery sticks instead.
And let’s not even get started on the European Union. They’ve got regulations that can make a corporate lawyer’s head spin. While they’re busy trying to protect us from the “dangers” of AI, they’re also putting the brakes on innovation. It’s like trying to drive a car with the emergency brake on — good luck getting anywhere fast.
Enter Local Models
But fear not! There’s a way around this madness. You can use open-source models that run locally on your PC. Yes, you heard that right. No more waiting for IT to approve your access request. You can take matters into your own hands with tools like Ollama or LM Studio.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “But Ritz, I’m not a tech wizard!” Relax. Ollama is relatively easy to use, even if you have to dip your toes into the terminal. It’s like learning to ride a bike — awkward at first, but you’ll be cruising in no time. Plus, there’s a ton of models to choose from, like Microsoft’s Phi-3, Qwen 2 or Meta’s Llama 3.1 8B parameter model.
Limitations of Local Models
Now, let’s talk limitations. Sure, these local models might not be as smart as GPT-4o or its mini version, but they can still handle essential tasks. Think summarizing documents, generating ideas, or even drafting emails. You know, the stuff that keeps your workday from turning into a complete slog.
If you’re looking to test local models, LM Studio is your friend. It checks if the model can run on your PC, so you’re not left wondering if your hardware can handle the load. Speaking of hardware, let’s get real for a second. If you want to run these models smoothly, you’ll want a PC with at least 16GB of RAM.
If you’re stuck with an 8GB RAM machine, you can still run 3B parameter models, but don’t expect them to win any intelligence contests. If you’re in the market for a new PC, I’d recommend one with an Nvidia GPU and at least 12GB of video RAM. Yes, I know it’s pricey, but think of it as an investment in your sanity.
You can also use quantised models to use better models, but we wont get into that in this article.
The Mac Advantage
Now, I’m a Mac guy myself. With the new Apple Silicon, you get unified memory that’s shared between the CPU and GPU. If I were to buy a new Mac, I’d go for 32GB or greater. It’s like having a Swiss Army knife for your computing needs — versatile and ready for anything.
For those of you on Windows, don’t worry. You can still join the party with options like LM Studio, GPT4ALL and Ollama UI. Some apps even have plugins that allow the AI to search the internet, keeping your AI up to date with the latest news. It’s like having a personal assistant who’s always in the know.
The Future of AI at Work
At Augmented AI, we’re all about keeping you ahead of the curve. We’ve created courses and apps that leverage the latest tools to boost your productivity. Imagine being the go-to person in your office for all things AI. You’ll be the hero, and your coworkers will be begging you for tips.
But here’s the kicker: the problem of accessing AI tools in a restrictive work environment can be solved. That’s where Augmented AI University comes in. We teach practical, innovative, and cutting-edge AI techniques, including Generative AI, Large Language Models, RAG, Computer Vision, and Robotics.
So, if you’re tired of being held back by corporate policies, government regulation or outdated tech, it’s time to take action. Join us at Augmented AI University and unlock your potential in the world of AI.
Thanks for tuning in, and remember: don’t let your company’s restrictions keep you from accessing the tools you need to succeed. Until next time, keep innovating! Enroll in Augmented AI University Today!
