🚀 Try It Yourself

Ready to have your first conversation with AI? Here are step-by-step guides for the three most popular AI assistants. Pick whichever one appeals to you. They are all free to start.

💬 ChatGPT (by OpenAI)

The most well-known AI assistant. Good all-rounder for writing, questions, and conversation.

Getting Started

1.Open your web browser (Safari, Chrome, or whatever you normally use) and go to chat.openai.com
2.Click "Sign up." You will need an email address. You can also sign in with your Google or Apple account if you have one.
3.Confirm your email address by clicking the link they send you.
4.You will see a text box at the bottom of the screen. This is where you type your question or message.
5.Type something and press Enter. That is it. You are now using AI.

Things to Try First

💬 "Explain what AI is in simple terms, as if you were talking to someone who has never used a computer much."

💬 "I am planning a birthday party for my 8-year-old granddaughter who loves dinosaurs. Give me some ideas."

💬 "Write a short thank you note to my neighbour who looked after my cat while I was in hospital."

🤖 Claude (by Anthropic)

Known for being careful and thoughtful with its answers. Good at long, detailed explanations and being honest about what it does not know.

Getting Started

1.Go to claude.ai in your web browser.
2.Click "Sign up" and enter your email address. You can also use your Google account.
3.Check your email and click the confirmation link.
4.You will see a simple chat screen. Type your question in the box at the bottom.
5.Press Enter or click the send button. Claude will respond within a few seconds.

Things to Try First

💬 "I got a letter from the hospital about my blood test results. Can you explain what these terms mean?" (then type the terms)

💬 "Help me write a complaint letter to my energy company. My bill has gone up by £50 and nobody can explain why."

💬 "What are some easy exercises I can do at home if I have bad knees?"

✨ Google Gemini

Made by Google. Good at finding information and works well if you already use Google services like Gmail or Google Photos.

Getting Started

1.Go to gemini.google.com in your web browser.
2.Sign in with your Google account. If you have Gmail, you already have one. Use the same email and password.
3.You will see a chat screen. Type your question in the box.
4.Press Enter. Gemini will respond and sometimes include links to websites where you can read more.

Things to Try First

💬 "What is the best way to get from London to Edinburgh by train? I am over 60 and want to know about railcard discounts."

💬 "Summarise the main news stories from today in the UK. Keep it brief and simple."

💬 "I want to start growing vegetables. What are the easiest ones for a beginner with a small garden?"

📌 Tips That Work for All AI Assistants

💡Talk normally. You do not need special language or commands. Write as if you are talking to a helpful person.
💡Ask follow-up questions. If the answer is too complicated, say "Can you explain that more simply?" If it is too long, say "Make it shorter."
💡You cannot break it. There is nothing you can type that will damage your computer or the AI. Experiment freely.
💡Start a new conversation when you want to change the topic. Look for a "New chat" button, usually in the top left corner.
💡Do not share personal details. No passwords, bank details, or ID numbers. Treat it like talking to a helpful stranger.
💡It is okay to be slow. AI is patient. Take your time typing. There is no rush and no one is watching.

🤔 Which One Should I Choose?

Honestly, they are all good. Here is a quick guide:

👉ChatGPT if you want the most popular one with the largest community of users.
👉Claude if you value careful, thoughtful answers and honesty about limitations.
👉Google Gemini if you already use Gmail and Google and want something that fits in with what you know.

You can try all three for free. Many people use more than one for different tasks.

You Have Got This

The hardest part is starting. Once you have had your first conversation with AI, you will wonder what took you so long. Go on, give it a try. And remember, visit our Stay Safe page for tips on using AI securely.