How to use AI for beginners

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the way we interact with technology. From chatbots that answer questions to AI-generated images and videos, this field is revolutionising industries worldwide. But what exactly is AI, and how does it differ from traditional computer programs and old-school chatbots? This guide will introduce AI concepts and focus on how to use modern text-based AI tools like ChatGPT, Grok, Gemini, Claude, Perplexity, Copilot, and more.

What exactly is AI?

AI refers to computer systems capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence. These include understanding language, recognising patterns, solving problems, and even generating creative content. Unlike traditional computer programs that follow rigid, predefined instructions, AI models use machine learning to adapt and improve their responses based on data and interaction, there is no predetermined ‘programming’.

Older chatbots operated on scripted decision trees, responding only with pre-set answers. In contrast, modern AI-powered chatbots use natural language processing (NLP) and deep learning to generate responses that feel more human-like, contextually relevant, and dynamic. It’s better to think of it as a program that is running a brain simulation.

The various types of AI

AI technology is diverse, it can operate at many different media formats, text, speech, photo, video etc..

• Text-based AI: Chatbots like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Grok answer questions, generate content, and provide insights.
• Voice AI: Assistants like Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa respond to spoken commands and provide verbal feedback.
• Image AI: Tools like DALL·E, Midjourney, and Stable Diffusion generate and edit images based on textual descriptions.
• Video AI: AI-driven tools can create or enhance videos, such as Runway ML, DeepBrain AI, and Synthesia.
• Music & Audio AI: AI tools can compose music, generate voiceovers, and synthesise speech, such as ElevenLabs and AIVA.

AI Availability: Main AI Tools and Providers

Several major companies provide AI services, each with unique strengths:

• OpenAI: ChatGPT (text-based AI, coding assistance, and more)
• Anthropic: Claude (focuses on safety and reasoning in responses)
• Google: Gemini (formerly Bard, integrated with Google services)
• Microsoft: Copilot (integrated with Office 365, coding tools)
• X (formerly Twitter): Grok (AI chatbot integrated with social media)
• Perplexity AI: AI-powered search and research assistant
• Bing AI: Microsoft’s AI-powered search assistant
• Google Studio: AI-driven tools for content creation

How to Use AI Effectively

AI models like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini work best when used strategically. Here are key principles to get the most out of them:

1. Treat AI Like a Person, not a program

AI chatbots function more effectively when you interact with them conversationally. Instead of giving vague or incomplete queries, frame your requests with clarity and intent, just like you would when asking a knowledgeable person for help.

2. Provide Good Context Before Asking a Question

Although AI is highly knowledgeable. When you open a new chat, it has no idea whats happening, no history of what it was doing, what it was doing, where it is, or even who is it so treat it like it has just woken up, so always start with context.

So when prompting, first get it up to speed with context, tell them who they are, where they are, what they are compatible of, before asking what you need from them.

The more information you provide, the better the AI will understand your needs. For example:

• Instead of: “Write an email for me.”
• Try: “You are an expert email writer, please write a professional email to my manager explaining why I need an extension on my project deadline.”

3. Leverage AI’s Capabilities

AI chatbots are versatile. Here are some things they can do:

• Web Page Lookups: Some AI models can browse the web for updated information.
• Remember Context: (Limited to certain models) AI can retain conversation history in a single session.
• Code Generation: AI can write and debug code in multiple programming languages.
• Table & Chart Creation: AI can generate tables and summarise data for reports.
• Python Scripts & Calculations: AI can assist with writing Python scripts for automation, data analysis, and more.