AI Tools

AI Tools on Stanford LTS Managed Cluster Computers

Stanford Learning Technology & Spaces (LTS) has added a suite of AI Tools to all managed cluster computers to support academic and creative work. These tools are designed to help with writing, coding, and research using modern AI models and development environments.

How to Access AI Tools

Locate the “AI Tools” icon on the Dock.
Click the icon to launch the AI Tools menu.
- A short popup will appear, describing the available AI applications and guidelines for appropriate use.
After reviewing the popup, a folder containing AI tools will open automatically. From there, you can launch the desired application.

Available Tools

The AI Tools collection currently includes:

ChatGPT — For general conversation, idea generation, and writing assistance.
Claude (Anthropic) — For in-depth analysis, code generation, and advanced reasoning.
Visual Studio Code — Equipped with options to install AI extensions for coding assistance such as:
- ChatGPT Codex
- Anthropic Claude
- GitHub Copilot
Stanford AI Playground — An unofficial desktop app offering access to a variety of Stanford-hosted AI models for academic work and experimentation. Offers persistent login and global hotkeys (Ctrl+Shift+A) shortcut.
Google Gemini — Google's multimodal AI model as an unofficial desktop app with global hotkeys (Ctrl+G) shortcut and no login required.
Cursor — An AI-powered code editor built on VS Code that integrates AI directly into your workflow for enhanced coding.
Siri with ChatGPT — Can be enabled for assistance with native ChatGPT integration alongside these AI tools, if desired. Instructions provided in the popup.

Important Notes

These tools are intended for academic and low-risk data only. For data classifications, refer to riskclass.stanford.edu.
Only Stanford AI Playground is approved for non-academic Stanford work use.
Sign in to apps with your Stanford or personal Google account. Gemini doesn't require login, but advanced functions only works with a personal Google account login.
Visual Studio Code extensions (ChatGPT Codex, Claude, GitHub Copilot) can be installed through the VS Code Marketplace.

AI Tools on Apporto Virtual Desktops

The same AI tools are available on the Apporto macOS Virtual Desktop. On the Apporto Windows Virtual Desktop, only Visual Studio Code and the Stanford AI Playground are available. Please use the web apps for all other AI agents.