Resources

What to check before you decide

• Does the tool fit your primary task (writing, research, coding, images)?
• What data does it store, and for how long?
• Is there a free tier — and what are its limits?
• Can you export or delete your content easily?
• Does your employer or school allow this tool for your use case?

Common questions

• Is AI always accurate? No — verify important facts.
• Can I use AI for confidential work? Check policies and avoid sensitive data.
• Do I need to pay? Many tasks work on free tiers; power users often upgrade.
• Will AI replace my job? It changes workflows; skills in review and judgment still matter.

Helpful definitions

• LLM — Large language model; predicts text based on patterns in training data.
• Prompt — The instruction or question you give an AI system.
• Hallucination — A confident but incorrect AI-generated statement.
• Context window — How much text a model can consider at once.
• Fine-tuning — Additional training to specialize a model for certain tasks.

Next steps

• Pick one everyday task to try with an AI assistant this week.
• Save a prompt that worked well and note why it succeeded.
• Read your tool's privacy policy before entering personal data.
• Browse Topics for deeper category guides.
• Contact us with questions or suggested resources.

Prompt starter kit

Three patterns to keep handy:

• Explain simply: "Explain [topic] as if I'm new to it. Use short paragraphs."
• Draft & refine: "Draft a [format]. Tone: [tone]. Length: [limit]. Ask if anything is unclear."
• Compare options: "Compare [A] and [B] for [use case]. Include pros, cons, and best fit."

Verification checklist

• Cross-check facts with a primary or reputable source.
• Watch for outdated product names, dates, or pricing.
• Ask the AI to cite sources — then confirm they exist.
• For high-stakes decisions, get human expert input.

Privacy quick guide

• Never submit passwords, SSNs, or medical records.
• Turn off training/data-sharing if your tool offers it.
• Use business or enterprise tiers for work content when available.
• Clear chat history on shared or public devices.

Tool comparison framework

• Task fit — Does it handle your actual workflow?
• Output quality — Test with your real examples.
• Integrations — Email, docs, browser, API access.
• Support & updates — Active development and clear docs.
• Total cost — Subscription, seats, and usage limits.