The good news: you can try AI for free, in your web browser, with nothing to install.
Three trusted, free tools to choose from:
- ChatGPT — go to chatgpt.com (from OpenAI).
- Google Gemini — go to gemini.google.com.
- Microsoft Copilot — go to copilot.microsoft.com.
All three have a free version that is plenty for everyday use. You do not need to pay.
An even easier on-ramp. Your phone already has an AI-style helper: Siri on iPhone, or Google Assistant on Android. Press and hold the home button or say the wake word, then just ask your question out loud. It is a gentle way to get comfortable talking to a computer.
Getting in safely, step by step:
- Type the address yourself into your browser (chatgpt.com), or use the official app from the App Store or Google Play. Do not click an “AI” link from an ad, email, or text. Fake look-alike AI sites exist.
- You may be asked to make a free account with your email. Use a strong passphrase (our Email course covers this).
- When you see a box that says something like “Ask anything” or “Message,” you are in the right place. Click it and type.
A quick example. You open chatgpt.com, click the message box, and type: “Give me three easy dinner ideas using chicken and rice.” You get an answer instantly. That is it. You just used AI.
What to do:
- Pick one tool and open it by typing the address yourself.
- Try one simple, low-stakes question today.
- Remember: free is enough. Ignore pressure to “upgrade” to use it.