"I want to try AI but I don't know where to start. What do I do first?"
— Linda R., Jacksonville FL
Linda, your first step is choosing which AI assistant to try. Several are available, each with similar capabilities. ChatGPT from OpenAI is the most popular and a great place to start. Alternatives include Claude from Anthropic and Gemini from Google.
For your first experience, I recommend ChatGPT simply because its interface is clean and intuitive, and lots of help resources exist if you need guidance. Just visit chat.openai.com, create a free account, and you'll be ready within minutes!
Don't overthink the choice — trying different options costs nothing, and skills transfer easily between them.
— Pat
"Once I'm signed up, what should I say to it? Do I need special commands?"
— George H., Mesa AZ
No special commands needed, George! Once you see the chat interface, simply type a question or request as naturally as you would text a knowledgeable friend.
Try something simple and low-stakes first. Ask a question you're curious about: "What's the history of jazz music?" or "Why do leaves change color in fall?" Notice how the response comes in clear, conversational prose rather than a list of links.
Then try a practical request: "Help me write a thank-you note for a birthday gift" or "Suggest what to make for dinner with chicken, rice, and broccoli." See how AI generates useful content you can use directly!
— Pat
"What are the most useful things I can do with AI as a beginner?"
— Nancy C., Fort Worth TX
Great question, Nancy! Writing assistance is the most popular use — ask AI to help draft emails, compose letters, create invitations, or write any text you're finding difficult.
Learning and explanation come next. Whenever you encounter something you don't understand — a medical term, a financial concept, a technical process — ask AI to explain it simply. You can request analogies, examples, or step-by-step breakdowns.
Planning and organizing is another winner. Describe an event you're planning and ask for checklists. Present a decision you're facing and ask for help considering the factors. Even if you don't use every suggestion, they often spark your own better ideas!
— Pat
"More questions answered after this quick recommendation!"
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"How do I get better at using AI over time? Is there a learning curve?"
— William P., Toronto, Canada
The learning curve is gentle, William! As you use AI more, you'll naturally improve at getting useful results. You'll learn that specific requests yield better responses than vague ones. You'll discover that asking for adjustments works better than starting over.
Pay attention to what works and what doesn't. When AI gives an unhelpful response, try rephrasing your request. When it gives a great response, note what made your request effective. This active attention accelerates your learning without requiring formal study.
The goal isn't to use AI for everything but to have it available when it's helpful. Within a month of regular use, you'll wonder how you managed without it!
— Pat
"Should I use ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini? What's the difference?"
— Betty M., Sun City AZ
Honestly Betty, for most everyday uses, they're quite similar! All can help with writing, answer questions, explain concepts, and assist with tasks. The differences are subtle.
If you're already using lots of Google products (Gmail, Google Docs), Gemini integrates nicely with those. If you want more detailed, thorough responses, Claude tends to be wordier. ChatGPT has the largest user community, so it's easy to find tips and tutorials.
My advice? Start with ChatGPT since it's the most popular and has great resources for beginners. Once you're comfortable, try the others to see which feels best for you. There's no rule saying you must pick just one!
— Pat