Tools and Services Comparison Guide: AI Tools

Yes, both Copilot applications are available for academic institutions. All members of the university community already have access to Copilot Chat.  

If you are interested in purchasing the paid version, additional information and instructions on ordering is available on our webpage for Microsoft 365 Copilot.

Yes, there are several legal considerations to keep in mind when using Copilot: 

• Confidentiality: Microsoft ensures that your inputs and outputs are kept confidential and are not used to train the AI for other customers. However, Microsoft may capture and access your Copilot prompts and outputs for 30 days for abuse monitoring. If your data contains sensitive or legally regulated information, you can apply for an exemption from this monitoring. 
• Data Security: It's crucial to implement intentional frameworks, access management and encryption systems to prevent the leakage of sensitive data. This helps in maintaining the security and privacy of your information. The university is taking necessary precautions by implementing our Baseline Secure Computing Standards on all university-owned workstations, but it is important that you ensure you are also following best practices. 
• Intellectual Property: There are concerns around intellectual property rights and potential copyright infringements. Microsoft offers copyright-infringement coverage for Copilot's output, but it's important to be aware of the qualifications and limitations of this coverage. It is best practice to always cite when AI is used. 

Copilot Chat has a few limits to ensure optimal performance and user experience: 

• Conversation Length: Each conversation has a limit on the number of turns or messages. Typically, this limit is around 30 turns. Once this limit is reached, you'll need to start a new chat to continue the conversation. 
• File Uploads: There are limits on the size and type of files you can upload for Copilot Chat to reason over. This includes documents like Word files, Excel sheets, and PDFs.  
• Image Generation: There are limits on the number of AI-generated images you can create. It is currently around 5 images a day. 

These measures help maintain the quality and reliability of Copilot Chat's responses.  The limits are managed by Microsoft and are not publicly posted due to regular updates by Microsoft that change the exact limit numbers. 

Yes, Copilot can assist with debugging code. It will provide suggestions and identify potential issues in your code. Please utilize AI security best practices. 

Yes, you can create custom prompts for Microsoft Copilot 365 and Copilot Chat to tailor its responses to your specific needs. Refer to the Microsoft 365 documentation for instructions on creating custom prompts. 

Edit a Copilot prompt to make it your own - Microsoft Support 

Yes, leveraging Microsoft Copilot 365 and Copilot Chat for research can significantly enhance your productivity and the quality of your insights. Here are some ways you can use either Copilot application for research: 

• Information Gathering: You can ask Copilot to find and summarize information from various sources, including web articles, academic papers, and internal documents. This helps you quickly gather relevant data without having to sift through numerous sources manually. 
• Data Analysis: Copilot can assist in analyzing data by identifying patterns, trends, and correlations. You can upload datasets or describe the data you have, and Copilot will help you interpret it. 
• Document Creation: Use Copilot to draft research reports, proposals, or summaries based on the information you've gathered. You can provide specific instructions on the structure and content, and Copilot will generate the text accordingly. 
• Contextual Questions: During your research, you can ask Copilot specific questions about the data or topics you're exploring. Copilot can provide detailed answers, explanations, and even suggest further areas to investigate. 
• Collaboration: If you're working with a team, Copilot can help summarize discussions, track action items, and ensure everyone is aligned on the research objectives. This is particularly useful in collaborative environments like Microsoft Teams. 

Yes, both Microsoft Copilot 365 and Copilot Chat can be integrated with Microsoft Teams! To experience full integration with the applications you will need the paid version (Microsoft Copilot 365), but you can leverage Copilot Chat within the application interface. This integration allows you to use either Copilot application directly within Teams chats, channels, and meetings.

Here are some key features: 

• Teams Chats and Channels: You can use Microsoft Copilot 365 and Copilot Chat to summarize conversations, highlight key points, and track action items This helps you stay up-to-date without having to scroll through long threads.
• Teams Meetings: Microsoft Copilot 365 and Copilot Chat can summarize meeting discussions, suggest follow-up questions, list action items, and provide insights during or after the meeting . This is especially useful for capturing important details and ensuring effective follow-ups. 

Use Copilot in Microsoft Teams chat and channels - Microsoft Support 

Yes, Copilot has the capability to generate images based on text descriptions. This feature can be useful for creating visual content. 

Steps for generating an image: 

• Describe Your Image: Start by describing what you want your image to look like. Be as detailed as possible. For example, you might say, "An astronaut standing on the moon, looking at the stars."  
• Choose a Style: You can select from various styles such as photorealistic, surrealism or anime. This helps tailor the image to your specific needs. 
• Add References: If you have an existing image that is similar in style to what you're looking for, you can upload it. This helps Copilot understand the style and elements you prefer.  
• Select Size and Brand: Choose the size for your image and, if applicable, select a brand and color scheme that fits your requirements.  
• Create the Image: Once you’ve set all your preferences, simply click "Create" and Copilot will generate the image based on your description.
• Site the image: Whenever you use an AI-generated image it is important to site that the image or graphic was created by Copilot.

Learn more: Create AI-generated images with the Microsoft 365 Copilot app - Microsoft Support 

All university faculty and staff have a university-provided Microsoft 365 subscription that includes the Copilot Chat feature. Please log into your university account with your university credentials to utilize. 

Access via Web Browser 

Go to copilot.microsoft.com and log in to begin, or go to https://www.office.com/ and click on "Copilot" from the left-hand navigation. 

If using the Microsoft Edge browser, launch it and click the Copilot icon in the upper right-hand corner. 

 

Outlook desktop client/web client 

If using the latest Outlook desktop client, you should see the Copilot icon on the left sidebar.  The same icon should be present in Outlook on the web as well. 

 

Microsoft Teams 

In Microsoft Teams you can add the Copilot app to your Teams apps.  

 If it is not already on the left-hand column with your other apps, click the Apps plus at the bottom of the list.  

Here, you can search for Copilot, or it may already be featured to choose from. Click “Add” or “Open”. 

 

Windows Copilot App 

On a Windows PC you can download and install the Copilot app so you can access it directly on your PC via programs or by pinning it to your task bar.  Visit the Microsoft website for Copilot and then click on "Install for Windows." 

To experience it fully integrated with the applications you need the paid version (Microsoft Copilot 365), but you can leverage Copilot Chat within the application interface.

To integrate either Copilot application with Microsoft Word, ensure that you have the necessary permissions and follow the integration guidelines provided in the Microsoft 365 documentation. To use Copilot in Word, look for the Copilot icon or use the chat pane to interact with it. This feature is designed to make your writing process smoother and more efficient. 

How to use Copilot in Microsoft Word – Microsoft 365 

You can report bugs in either Copilot application by contacting the OIT Service Desk. 

Microsoft Copilot 365 and Copilot Chat follow strict data privacy guidelines and complies with industry standards to ensure the security and privacy of your data. Learn more on our ISIC website.

No, there is no additional cost to use Microsoft Copilot Chat. 

There is an additional cost for using the licensed version: Copilot for Microsoft 365.  

To Request a Paid Microsoft 365 Copilot License 

The Copilot for Microsoft 365 add-on is $380.00 yearly. To request a Microsoft 365 Copilot license: 

• If you are ordering 1-4 licenses order the add-on from the OnTheHub software store.  
  
• If you are ordering 5 or more licenses, please contact the OIT Service Desk. 
  

Both Microsoft Copilot 365 and Copilot Chat follow Microsoft's ethical guidelines for AI, which include principles such as fairness, reliability, privacy and inclusiveness.

Learn more: Responsible AI Principles and Approach | Microsoft AI

Microsoft Copilot Chat offers a range of features designed to enhance productivity, collaboration, and efficiency. Here are some key features: 

Natural Language Processing (NLP) 

• Conversational Interface: Copilot Chat uses advanced natural language processing to understand and respond to user inputs in a conversational manner. This makes it easier for users to interact with the system and get the information they need.  
  

Information Retrieval 

• Quick Access to Information: Copilot Chat can quickly provide accurate information from vast data sources, making it easier for users to find what they need without extensive searching. Note: It is best practice to always double check the results of any AI. 

Decision Support 

• Insights and Recommendations: Copilot Chat offers insights and recommendations based on data analysis, helping users make informed decisions. 

These features make Microsoft Copilot Chat a powerful tool for enhancing collaboration, productivity and efficiency within the university. 

If either Copilot application is not responding, try restarting the application or checking your internet connection. If the issue persists, contact OIT Service Desk for assistance.