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The problem

The hard part of starting isn't using AI — it's knowing which tool to open and how to avoid the fake copycats.

What you need to know

Good news: if you can log into your email, you can use AI. You sign in with an account you already have — Google, Microsoft, Apple, or email — and you're in. Keep your wallet closed. You do not need to pay today. Most AI assistants have a free option, so do not enter payment information just to ask your first basic question. If a site insists on payment before a simple question, pause and check you're on the official site. Four well-known assistants all work fine to start: ChatGPT (by OpenAI), Gemini (by Google), Copilot (by Microsoft), and Claude (by Anthropic). You don't need to compare them — just start with one. A simple default: use Google, Gmail, or Android? Try Gemini. Use Microsoft at work or school? Try Copilot. Not sure? Start with ChatGPT. Open it safely: on a computer, go to the maker's official website. On a phone, install only from the official App Store or Google Play and check the maker's name matches the tool. Avoid look-alike apps, copied logos, and "free AI" ads that lead elsewhere.

Good to know

• If you can log into email, you can use AI.
• You do not need to pay today — most assistants have a free option.
• Keep your wallet closed: don't enter payment just to ask a first basic question.
• Phone: install only from the official App Store or Google Play, and check the maker's name.
• Watch for fake sites, copycat apps, and 'free AI' ads that lead elsewhere.