Getting Started with AI Tools
A beginner-friendly guide to using ChatGPT, Claude, and other AI tools
Anyone can do this.
If you can write an email or send a text message, you can use AI. There's no special knowledge required. You're just having a conversation - and the AI will help guide you.
Your Progress
AI Prompts
First-Timer Introduction
I'm completely new to using AI tools and I'm trying to [DESCRIBE WHAT YOU WANT TO DO]. Please help me like I've never used AI before: 1. What should I type to get started? 2. How do I explain what I need? 3. What if the AI doesn't understand me? 4. How do I ask follow-up questions? 5. What mistakes do beginners commonly make? I'm a bit nervous about this - please be patient and explain things simply.
AI tools are actually very forgiving and patient. Starting with "I'm new" sets the right tone and gets you simpler, clearer responses.
Learn to Ask Better Questions
I'm learning to use AI better. I tried asking about [TOPIC] but didn't get useful results. Here's what I originally asked: [PASTE YOUR ORIGINAL QUESTION] Here's what I actually needed: [DESCRIBE WHAT YOU WERE HOPING TO LEARN] Please help me: 1. What was wrong with my original question? 2. How should I have phrased it? 3. What additional context would have helped? 4. Give me 3 better versions of my question 5. What are general tips for asking AI good questions?
Learning to "prompt" AI well is a skill. This meta-prompt helps you improve your prompting ability over time.
Which AI Tool Should I Use?
I need to [DESCRIBE YOUR TASK] and I'm not sure which AI tool to use. Please compare the main free options for someone who is: - Technical skill level: [BEGINNER/INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED] - Budget: [FREE ONLY / CAN PAY A LITTLE / COST DOESN'T MATTER] - Privacy concerns: [LOW / MEDIUM / HIGH] - What I'm doing: [DESCRIBE YOUR USE CASE] For each option, tell me: - Best for: [what tasks] - Pros: [advantages] - Cons: [disadvantages] - How to access it - Any free limitations
Different AI tools have different strengths. This helps you pick the right tool for your specific situation.
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