Toolbox

Copy-and-paste prompts, simple how-tos, and trusted tools — all in one place.

Jump to:

How to Access AI (Start Here)

You can start using AI in two simple ways:

  • On a computer (easiest): open a website in your browser
  • On a phone: use an app (from the official App Store / Google Play)

You can start for free — no special equipment needed.

If you’re brand new, start on a computer if you can — the screen is bigger, and it’s easier to read.

Quick Start (2 minutes)

  1. Choose one tool to begin – check out the beginner-friendly suggestions below (don’t overthink it).
  2. Open it and ask your first question (use the prompt below).
  3. Save this page — it’s your “go-to” when you want ideas or wording.

Your first prompt (copy/paste):
“Hi! I’m new to AI. Please give me 5 simple ways you can help me in everyday life, and then ask me one question to help you personalise your suggestions.”

Beginner-friendly AI tools (simple guide)

You don’t need lots of tools — Google is often enough for many tasks (and it’s what most people use). The AI tools below will give more personalised, step-by-step help. Here’s how to get started.

1) ChatGPT

A friendly all-purpose helper for questions, writing, ideas, planning, and explanations.

2) Microsoft Copilot

Easy to access if you’re already using Microsoft/Edge. Helpful for everyday questions and summaries.

3) Google Gemini (handy if you use Android + Gmail)

Great for graphics and if your digital life is mostly Google.

Step-by-step: how to access AI on your computer (browser)

Option A: Use your browser (no installs needed)

  1. Open your browser (Edge, Chrome, Safari — whichever you normally use)
  2. Type the tool name into Google/Bing/etc (e.g., “ChatGPT” or “Microsoft Copilot”)
  3. Open the official site and sign in (if prompted)
  4. Type your question and press Enter

Step-by-step: how to access AI on your phone

Option B1: Samsung / Android (Google Play Store)

  1. Open the Google Play Store
  2. Search the tool name (ChatGPT / Copilot / Gemini)
  3. Choose the official app (check the developer name and reviews)
  4. Tap Install
  5. Open the app, sign in, and ask your question

Option B2: Apple / iPhone (App Store)

  1. Open the App Store
  2. Search the tool name (ChatGPT / Copilot / Gemini)
  3. Choose the official app (check the developer name and reviews)
  4. Tap Get (or the cloud icon) and authenticate if asked
  5. Open the app, sign in, and ask your question

Safety note (both): Avoid “random AI apps” that look ad-heavy or pushy. If you’re unsure, use the tool in your browser instead.

Tip: Gemini is designed mainly for Google accounts/Android, while ChatGPT and Copilot work well on both Android and iPhones.

What it might cost (plain language)

Most people can start for $0.

  • Free versions: usually enough for learning, light use, and everyday help
  • Paid plans: optional (typically monthly) and mainly useful if you use AI a lot or want extra features
  • Prices can change, so always check the tool’s official pricing page if you’re considering upgrading.

My gentle advice: Start free. Upgrade only if you personally feel limited. The free versions are still incredibly

Safety basics (keep this simple)

  • Use official websites and the official app store
  • Be wary of pages with lots of “DOWNLOAD” buttons and pop-ups
  • Don’t share passwords, banking details, or personal ID documents with AI
  • If you’re unsure, pause — you can always ask:
    “Is this safe to click? What’s the safer way to do this?”

Plain-language privacy note (checked January 2026)

Does paying make AI more private?
Not always. For personal accounts, privacy depends mostly on your data/activity settings. Some work/business versions (e.g., Microsoft 365 Copilot at work, or Gemini in Google Workspace) have stronger privacy protections by default. Either way, it’s still wise not to share sensitive personal details.

How to improve privacy in each tool

  • ChatGPT: In Settings → Data Controls, you can turn off “Improve the model for everyone” so new chats aren’t used to train models (this applies on personal accounts, including free and paid).
  • Microsoft Copilot: If you’re using Microsoft 365 Copilot through a work/school account, Microsoft states your prompts/responses and organisational data aren’t used to train foundation models. (Consumer Copilot is a different setup.)
  • Google Gemini: You can manage Gemini privacy via Gemini Apps Activity (including controlling whether activity is used to improve Google AI). If you’re using Gemini through Google Workspace, Google states prompt content isn’t used to train models outside your domain without permission.

Quick Start: What not to Share

Avoid Sharing

  1. Passwords, PINs, one-time codes
  2. Banking or card numbers
  3. Medicare/ID numbers, licence/passport details
  4. Full home address + date of birth together
  5. Anything you’d be upset to see leaked (private medical documents, legal papers, etc.):

    Safer approach: describe the situation generally, and you can replace names/numbers with placeholders like [my bank], [my suburb], [my account type].

Starter prompts (copy/paste)

If you only try a few prompts, start here — these work for almost anything.

1) Gentle helper (best first prompt)
“Please be my gentle helper. Explain things simply, step-by-step, and ask me one question at a time.”

2) Everyday task
“Help me with [task]. Give me the simplest steps. If there are two ways to do it, show both and tell me which is easiest.”

3) Write a message
“Please write a friendly message to [person] about [topic]. Keep it warm and clear.”

4) Explain a confusing letter
“Please explain this in plain English and tell me what to do next. Here is the text: [paste]”

5) Device help
“I’m using [brand + model] and trying to [task]. Please guide me step-by-step and tell me what I should see if it’s working.”

See the full Prompt Library →

Back to top ↑