Meet your AI assistants

An AI assistant is a chat app built on a large language model. You type (or speak) a request, and it replies. The most popular ones are ChatGPT (by OpenAI), Claude (by Anthropic), Gemini (by Google) and Microsoft Copilot. Meta AI is also built into WhatsApp in many countries.

They all have free versions that are good enough for this course, and paid plans with stronger models and higher limits. Features and prices change often, so check each provider's website for current details.

What they can do

• Write and rewrite: emails, reports, posts, CVs, cover letters, speeches.
• Summarise and explain: long documents, policies, lecture notes, difficult topics.
• Analyse: data you upload, such as a spreadsheet of sales.
• Brainstorm: business names, content ideas, solutions to problems.
• Translate: between English, Swahili and many other languages.
• Look things up: many assistants can search the web and show sources.
• Read images and files: you can upload a photo of a document or a PDF.

Choosing one

All of the major assistants are capable. Try two of them on the same task and keep using the one whose answers you prefer. Some practical tips:

• If you already use Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 at work, Gemini or Copilot may connect directly to your documents and email.
• For long documents and careful writing, many people like Claude. For a broad set of features, many people like ChatGPT. Test for yourself.
• For quick questions while chatting with others, Meta AI inside WhatsApp is convenient.

Conversations have memory, within limits

Inside one chat, the assistant remembers what you said earlier, so you can build on previous answers: "Make the second paragraph shorter." Starting a new chat gives it a clean slate. Start a new chat when you change topic, so old instructions don't confuse it.

Some assistants can also remember facts about you across chats if you turn on a memory feature. Check your settings so you know what it remembers.

Three safety rules from day one

1. Don't paste secrets. No passwords, PINs, ID numbers, or private customer data in public AI tools.
2. Check important facts. Assistants can be confidently wrong.
3. You're responsible for what you send. Read every AI draft before it goes to your boss, client or lecturer.

Key takeaways

• ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and Copilot are all capable. Pick by testing.
• Each chat remembers its own conversation. Start new chats for new topics.
• Protect private data, check facts, and own what you send.