"What is ChatGPT?"

ChatGPT is a computer program you can talk to by typing, much like sending a text message. You ask it questions or give it tasks, and it responds in plain English — no programming knowledge required, no technical commands to memorize.

Think of it as having a conversation with an exceptionally well-read assistant who never gets tired, never gets impatient, and is available any time of day or night. The name offers clues to what it does: "Chat" refers to the conversational nature, and "GPT" describes the underlying technology that helps it understand context and generate remarkably human-like responses.

— Pat

That's a smart question, Richard! When you type something into Google, you get a list of websites that might contain your answer. You then have to click through those links, scan the pages, and piece together the information yourself.

ChatGPT works differently. It reads your question, processes it, and gives you a direct answer in complete sentences. Want to know what to pack for April weather in Seattle? Google shows you weather websites and travel blogs. ChatGPT simply tells you that April brings mild temperatures in the fifties and sixties with frequent rain, so you'd want layers, a waterproof jacket, and comfortable walking shoes.

It synthesizes information into a helpful response rather than sending you on a scavenger hunt.

— Pat

The practical applications are surprisingly broad, Patricia! Many people use ChatGPT to help with writing tasks — drafting emails, composing letters, or getting unstuck when facing a blank page. Others use it to explain complex topics in simpler terms, like having someone translate medical jargon into plain language.

You might ask it to help plan a menu for a dinner party, suggest books similar to ones you've enjoyed, or walk you through the steps of a recipe. Some people use it as a brainstorming partner when making decisions, asking it to list pros and cons of different options.

The key is that ChatGPT adapts to your needs. You can ask it to explain something as if you're a complete beginner, or request more technical detail if you're already familiar with a subject.

— Pat

Not complicated at all, James! Getting started requires no special equipment or technical knowledge. You simply visit chat.openai.com in any web browser, create a free account with your email address, and start typing.

The basic version costs nothing, though OpenAI offers a paid subscription with additional features for those who want them. The best way to learn is simply to try it — ask something you're curious about, request help with a task you've been putting off.

There's no wrong way to begin, and ChatGPT will never judge you for asking simple questions. Many people find that once they try it, they wonder how they managed without it!

— Pat

ChatGPT became the fastest-growing technology in history, Carol, reaching 100 million users in just two months after its launch! The big deal is that it makes AI accessible to everyone — not just tech experts.

For the first time, ordinary people can have natural conversations with a computer that actually understands what they're asking. It's not about fancy technology for its own sake — it's about having a helpful assistant available anytime you need one.

Whether you want help writing a thank-you note, understanding your medication's side effects, or just satisfying your curiosity about something, ChatGPT is there. That practical usefulness is why it's caught on so quickly.

— Pat