Getting started with AI: your first conversation

What AI chat tools are, free ones to try, a first chat, and what not to share.

⏱ 5 min read · ▶ 1:22 video
The short version

An AI chat tool is an app or website where you type (or say) a question in everyday words and it writes back an answer. ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini all have free versions. Start with something low-stakes, never share passwords, card or ID numbers, and double-check anything important, because AI can sound sure and still be wrong.

📅 Checked as of October 2026. Apps and rules change, so check the sources below if something looks different.

1. What is an AI chat tool?

It's a chatbot: a program you talk to by typing or speaking. Behind it is a large language model that has learned patterns from huge amounts of text, so it can explain things, write, summarize and brainstorm. It doesn't “know” things the way a person does. More in What is AI, really?

Think of it like this: it's like a very well-read assistant who answers instantly and never gets tired, but who sometimes fills gaps with confident guesses.

2. Free ones to try

  • ChatGPT (OpenAI): chatgpt.com or the official ChatGPT app. Has a free tier.
  • Microsoft Copilot: copilot.microsoft.com, the Copilot app, and built into Windows and Edge.
  • Google Gemini: gemini.google.com or the Gemini app; on many Android phones it's built in.

Pick one and stick with it while you learn; they work in similar ways. Only download apps from the official app store listing or the company's own website. Free versions have limits, and the paid plans are optional.

3. A simple first conversation

Try these, one at a time, and read each answer before typing the next:

  1. “Hi! I'm new to this. In three short bullet points, what can you help me with?”
  2. “Give me 5 easy dinner ideas using chicken, rice and frozen vegetables.”
  3. “Make that list shorter and add a cooking time to each.”
  4. “Explain what a Wi-Fi router does, like I'm 70 and not techy.”

Notice step 3: you can just ask for changes. It remembers the conversation so far. Tips on asking well are in Understanding prompts.

4. What's safe to share, and what isn't

  • Fine: general questions, recipes, trip ideas, help wording an email (leave out private details), explaining a confusing letter after you remove names and numbers.
  • Keep out: passwords and sign-in codes, bank or card numbers, Social Security or ID numbers, medical records, and other people's private information.

What you type may be saved and, depending on your settings, used to improve the service. See Is AI safe? What happens to what you type for the settings worth changing.

⚠️ AI can be wrong. Always check health, money and legal answers with a trusted source or a professional.

5. Why AI can be wrong

AI writes the most likely-sounding answer, which is usually right but not always. When it makes something up, people call it a hallucination. Ask it for its sources, and check those sources yourself. More in Why AI makes things up.

Quick tips

  • Start with a low-stakes question, like dinner ideas.
  • Say who it's for and how long the answer should be.
  • Never type passwords, card numbers or ID numbers.
  • Double-check anything that matters.

Sources

Test yourself: play AI or Not? or Prompt Builder, quick free games.

🛠️ Try it step by step

More in our How-To guides.

📖 Words to know

AI (artificial intelligence) Chatbot Prompt Hallucination (AI)