An Introduction to AI

Artificial Intelligence — usually shortened to AI — is suddenly everywhere. Depending on who you ask, it’s either going to revolutionise the world… or steal everyone’s job by Tuesday.

The reality is a bit less dramatic.

At its core, modern AI is simply software that’s been trained on huge amounts of information so it can:

• answer questions

• write text

• summarise information

• help with research

• generate images

• and assist with everyday tasks

Think of it as a very fast digital assistant. Sometimes incredibly helpful. Occasionally confidently wrong. A bit like certain humans we know.

The main AI tools people are using

ChatGPT (OpenAI)

Probably the best-known AI tool at the moment. Good for general questions, writing help, brainstorming, travel planning, and explaining complicated topics in plain English.

Microsoft Copilot

Built into Windows and Microsoft 365. Useful if you already use Word, Excel, Outlook or Teams.

Google Gemini

Google’s AI assistant, connected to Google Search and Android devices.

Claude (Anthropic)

Known for being particularly good at writing, summarising long documents, and having more natural conversations.

There are many others appearing all the time — rather like coffee shops and meal delivery apps!

How do you access AI?

Most AI tools are accessed:

• through a website

• a phone app

• or increasingly built directly into software you already use

Many have free versions, with paid plans for higher usage and advanced features.

Is AI safe?

Generally, yes — but with some common sense.

We’d recommend:

• avoiding entering sensitive personal information

• double-checking important facts

• remembering that AI can still make mistakes

AI is best viewed as a helpful assistant, not an all-knowing oracle.

Used sensibly, AI can genuinely save time and make technology feel more approachable — especially for things like writing emails, summarising documents, planning trips, or learning something new.