How to Get Started with AI

Introduction

If you’re new to AI and want to start using it on your PC or mobile device, this guide will walk you through the basics. You’ll learn how to access the ‘Big Four’ tools—ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and Microsoft Copilot—as well as the research tool NotebookLM.

A Quick Tip for 2025: While these tools all ‘chat’, they have developed distinct personalities. ChatGPT is great for general conversation; Claude is excellent for writing and coding; Gemini connects with your Google Apps; and Copilot is fantastic for web searching.

Man sitting on bench and typing on laptop surrounded by AI

Start Using Large Language Models (LLMs)

Note: Watch out for imposter apps. Look for these icons:

ChatGPT (by OpenAI)

Best for: General conversation, voice interaction and creating images.

On Mobile: Download the official ChatGPT app (iOS/Android). Look for the black and white logo.
- Pro Tip: Try the Headphones icon to talk to ChatGPT using Advanced Voice Mode—it feels like a real conversation.
On PC: Visit chatgpt.com.
Getting Started: Sign up with your email, Google or Apple account. You can start using the free model immediately.

Claude (by Anthropic)

Best for: Writing, coding and analysing long documents.

On Mobile: Download the Claude app by Anthropic.
On PC: Visit claude.ai.
Key Feature: When you ask Claude to write code or a document, it often opens a separate window (called an ‘Artifact’) on the right side so you can view the work clearly while still chatting on the left.

Gemini (by Google)

Best for: Connecting with Google docs like Gmail. Gemini Pro includes expert research, image & video creation features.

On Mobile:
- Android: It is often pre-installed or can replace your ‘Google Assistant’. If not, download the Google Gemini app.
- iOS: Download the Google app (Gemini is a tab inside it) or the standalone Gemini app if available in your region.
On PC: Visit gemini.google.com.
Integration: You can type @Google Drive inside the chat to have Gemini read your personal documents.

Microsoft Copilot (Microsoft/OpenAI)

Best for: Web searching, creating images, uploading photos & asking questions about them, and connecting with Microsoft Office.

On Mobile: Download the Microsoft Copilot app. (Note for Woopi News readers: This is Billy’s favourite AI app for use on mobile.)
On PC: Visit copilot.microsoft.com.
Access: If you have a Windows PC, Copilot is likely already built into your taskbar (look for the colorful loop icon).

Start Using AI Applications

NotebookLM (by Google)

Best for: Students, researchers and learning new topics fast.

Access: Visit notebooklm.google.com (Web-based).
What it is: Unlike the chatbots above, NotebookLM requires you to upload sources (PDFs, website links, notes, Google Docs). It then becomes an expert on only that information.
The ‘Podcast’ Feature: Once you upload your documents, click the ‘Audio Overview’ button. Two AI hosts will generate a radio-style conversation summarising your content. It is stunningly realistic!

How to Interact with LLMs (Prompting 101)

Talking to an AI is called ‘Prompting’. Here is how to get the best results in 2025:

Talk like a human: Speak or write as if you are emailing a helpful intern.
Give Context: Be as clear and specific as possible. For example, say, “Write a polite email to my manager asking for Friday in a fortnight off because I have root canal surgery.” Detailed prompts yield better responses.
Iterate: The first answer is rarely perfect. If needed, rephrase or add context. Tell the AI what you need – a more concise version (add word count), more humour or a more formal tone.
Check the facts: AI can still make mistakes (hallucinations). Always double-check important info; review the response to assess accuracy and relevance.

Examples of AI Capabilities

ChatGPT (Voice Mode): Tap the headphone icon and say: “I have an interview for a sales job tomorrow. I’ve shared the job description and my resume. Can you roleplay as the interviewer and ask me tough questions?”
Claude: “I am uploading a photo of my garden. What kind of plant is this, and can you write a care schedule for it?”
Gemini: “Critically analyse the attached meeting notes (e.g. Word or Google doc). Summarise the meeting notes and draft an email to the team with the action items.”
Copilot: “Search the web for the best tech-free birthday party ideas for a 16-year-old in [Your City] for this weekend.”
NotebookLM: Upload a complex PDF article. “Generate an Audio Overview so I can listen to this while I drive.”

AI in Action

Click on the images to see the AI tools in action.

ChatGPT – “Please summarise one of my favourite books – The Four Agreements!”

Gemini – “Translate ‘Hello, how are you?’ into Japanese. Explain how to address different audiences to show respect.”

MS Copilot – “Brainstorm some ideas for a birthday party for a sixteen-year-old girl with five friends attending. Suggest creative activities that don’t involve technology. Before you proceed, ask me questions to refine your response.”

Conclusion

AI tools are transforming how we work and create. The steps outlined above will help you integrate these technologies into daily life.

Strategies to Find Balance It is easy to over-rely on technology. In 100 Things We’ve Lost to the Internet, Pamela Paul reminds us of the quiet moments technology has eroded.

Set Boundaries: Try “tech-free” hours where you do not consult AI.
Think First: Try to solve the problem yourself before asking the AI. Use AI to refine your work, not do it all for you.
Reclaim Quiet: Step away from the screen. For a practical reset, try a guided meditation—sometimes, stepping back is the best way forward.

Have fun exploring, and get in touch if I can help you get started!

How to Get Started with AI

Introduction