AI Tools Guide
AI tools are multiplying fast, and it's hard to know where to start. We'll walk you through the most useful AI tools available today, what they're good at, and how to get started with them without spending money.
Whether you're looking for a chatbot like ChatGPT or Claude, specialized tools for images or writing, or just trying to figure out which free tier is worth your time, we've organized everything you need to know.
Chatbots (LLMs)
ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot are chatbots powered by "large language models" (LLMs), which are AI systems trained on massive amounts of text to understand and generate human-like language. You interact with them by typing back and forth, like having a conversation with a knowledgeable assistant.
We'll explain what each chatbot does well, how their free versions compare, and help you decide which one to try first.
You'll learn:
- What makes each major chatbot different
- What you get for free vs what requires payment
- How to sign up and get started with each tool
- Tips and limitations for each platform
- Whether you need multiple tools or just one
Specialized AI Tools
Beyond chatbots, there are tools designed for specific tasks like writing assistance, image generation, transcription, coding help, and research. We'll introduce the most useful ones and explain when they're worth using.
You'll learn:
- Writing and grammar tools like Grammarly
- Image generation with DALL-E, Midjourney, and others
- Transcription and voice AI tools
- Coding assistants like GitHub Copilot
- Research tools like Perplexity AI and NotebookLM
Getting Started with AI Tools
Practical advice on choosing your first AI tool, understanding free trials and free tiers, and managing multiple tools without getting overwhelmed.
You'll learn:
- Which AI tool you should try first
- How to create accounts and navigate free trials
- What you can accomplish with free versions
- When it makes sense to pay for AI tools
- How to organize your AI tool usage and protect your privacy