Lesson 1.2 — A tour of the main tools

AI for Dummies · Module 1: What is this AI thing? · About 20 min · Phone or computer

Goal: know the five big AI assistants and what each is known for.

What you'll learn

Recognise ChatGPT, Gemini, Grok, Claude and Copilot
Pick one to start with

Step 1 · The big five

Tool	Made by	Known for
ChatGPT	OpenAI	The best-known all-rounder. Good first choice.
Gemini	Google	Works with Gmail, Google Docs and Android phones.
Grok	xAI (part of X/Twitter)	Up-to-date news from the web and X, chatty style.
Claude	Anthropic	Careful, clear writing and reading long documents.
Copilot	Microsoft	Built into Windows, Edge and Word.

Step 2 · Free or paid?

All five have a free version that's plenty for this course. Paid plans (usually about A$15–35 a month) give more use and extra features. You don't need one.

Free versions have daily limits. If one says you've hit a limit, wait a few hours or try another tool.

Step 3 · How to choose

Use an Android phone or Gmail? Try Gemini.
Use Windows and Word a lot? Try Copilot.
Not sure? Start with ChatGPT.

They're all similar for everyday questions. Pick one and stick with it for this course.

Try it now

Ask the same question in two different tools: "Suggest 3 easy dinners using chicken and rice." Which answer did you like better?

Done it

Safety note

Stay safe: Only download apps from the official App Store or Google Play, made by the company in the table. There are many fake look-alike apps.

✅ Done when

Tried the exercise
Got the quiz right (below)

Stuck? Ask Brett or the Skills Coach. Screenshots help (cover private details).

Sources (checked Oct 2026)

Quick quiz

1. Which assistant is made by Google? Copilot Gemini Claude

2. Do you need to pay to do this course? Yes No, the free versions are fine

Finish this lesson

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