Your First Guide to AI and Chatbots: What They Are and How They Help

Marcus D. Taylor, MBA
May 27
3 min read

Updated: May 29

Are you new to AI and wondering what all the hype is about? You’re not alone. Many people have heard of tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Copilot—but aren’t quite sure how they work or what they can do.

This article breaks it down for you—easy, clear, and beginner-friendly.

Understanding AI (Artificial Intelligence): Start Here

What is AI?Artificial Intelligence is a way to make computers and machines "think" and "learn" like humans. There are a few types you should know:

Traditional AI (Rule-Based)
- Follows pre-set rules.
- Example: A calculator or traffic light system.
General AI (AGI)
- A future concept where machines think like humans in all ways.
- Still not real yet.
Generative AI
- Can create new content like writing, images, music, or code.
- Example: ChatGPT writing a poem or Midjourney making digital art.
Genetic AI
- Learns through evolution-like processes.
- Tries many versions, picks the best one.
- Used in game design, robotics, and science experiments.

What Is a Chatbot?

A chatbot is a type of Generative AI. It talks with you like a real person and helps you solve problems, learn, and get things done.

Think of it as:

A tutor
A research helper
A writing assistant
A creative partner
A coding buddy
Even a life coach

Popular Chatbots and What They Can Do

1. ChatGPT (by OpenAI)

Great for writing, brainstorming, research, tutoring, or coding.
Offers different versions (GPT-3.5 is free, GPT-4 is smarter and paid).
Example: “Help me write a business plan.”

2. Gemini (by Google)

Tied closely to Google tools (Gmail, Docs, Sheets).
Good for summarizing emails, making presentations, or analyzing data.
Example: “Summarize this PDF file for me.”

3. Microsoft Copilot

Built into Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Helps edit documents, draft emails, and automate Excel.
Example: “Make a chart from this data.”

4. Claude (by Anthropic)

Known for being safe and helpful in conversations.
Reads long documents quickly.
Example: “Read this 50-page report and give me 5 main ideas.”

5. Perplexity AI

Like a smarter Google.
Gives answers with sources.
Example: “What are the pros and cons of electric cars?”

6. DeepSeek

Built to help programmers.
Translates code and solves problems.
Example: “Fix this Python error for me.”

7. Pi (by Inflection AI)

Friendly and emotional chatbot.
Good for reflection, journaling, or mental support.
Example: “I’m having a rough day. Can we talk?”

How Can I Use Chatbots in Real Life?

For School or Self-Learning:

Get tutoring help on math, science, or grammar
Summarize chapters or articles
Create quiz questions to study with

For Work:

Draft emails, reports, or presentations
Analyze data or trends
Generate project plans or schedules

For Personal Growth:

Reflect with journaling prompts
Set personal goals
Get book or movie recommendations

For Daily Use:

Create grocery lists or meal plans
Plan trips or events
Translate languages or write messages

Tips to Get Started

Start with simple prompts like:
- “Help me write a thank-you note.”
- “Explain photosynthesis like I’m in 9th grade.”
- “What’s a healthy meal plan for 3 days?”
Be clear and specific in what you ask.
Try different bots for different jobs.