AI, PlainlyResources
Helpful places to learn about AI, try it safely, and get help, many first featured in the newsletter. Everything listed is free unless noted.
New to AI? Start here
Five steps to get comfortable with AI, at your own pace. No technical background needed.
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Get the big picture
In eight minutes, see how chatbots actually work, and why they sometimes get things confidently wrong.
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Have your first conversation
Try a free AI assistant. Copilot doesn't need an account. Ask about something you're curious about, then follow up with "What might you have gotten wrong?"
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Keep your personal information private
Never type passwords, account numbers, or your Social Security number into a chatbot. For sensitive questions, use a temporary or incognito chat.
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Learn the warning signs of AI scams
Scammers now use AI to fake voices and videos. A few minutes of reading will help you spot the tricks.
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Keep learning at your own pace
When you're ready for more, try a free course or class, browse past newsletter issues, or join us at an AI SIG meeting.
Reference
The full list, for newcomers and experienced users alike.
Free AI assistants
Each offers a free version in a web browser, plus phone apps. Features and limits change often.
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Microsoft Copilot
An easy first stop, since you can try it without creating an account.
Free. Signing in is optional; without it, chats may not be saved.
Featured in Issue 1
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Google Gemini
Works well if you already use Gmail or other Google services.
Free. Some features work without signing in; a Google Account saves your chats.
Featured in Issue 1
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ChatGPT
The best-known AI assistant, with a free plan that covers everyday questions and writing help.
Free plan available; paid plans add more use and features.
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Claude
Known for clear, careful writing and explanations.
Free plan available; requires an account. Paid plans add more use and features.
For Sun City residents
AI put to work for our own community.
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SCHH Community Guide
Ask questions about community rules, events, forms, amenities, clubs, and more in plain language. Every answer cites the official source documents, often linking to the exact page, so you can check it yourself. It's an unofficial, resident-created guide, not affiliated with or endorsed by the Community Association.
Residents only. Sign in with the email address listed for you in the SCHH Resident Directory; you'll get a six-digit code by email, with no password to create. Can be added to your phone's home screen like an app.
Learning about AI
Good places to start if you want to know how AI tools actually work.
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Large Language Models explained briefly
The clearest short explanation of how chatbots like ChatGPT work, made for the Computer History Museum. The last few minutes get a bit technical, but no math is required.
8 minutes, with captions. Free. A text version is available at 3blue1brown.com.
Featured in Issue 1
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Elements of AI
A respected, ad-free course for non-experts. The first course, "Introduction to AI," needs no math or programming; the second part requires programming.
Free, self-paced online course. Registration required to track progress.
Featured in Issue 1
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Senior Planet from AARP online classes
Friendly, instructor-led classes on everyday technology, including AI topics. Check the schedule for current offerings.
Free live online technology classes; AARP membership not required.
Protecting your privacy
How to ask a chatbot something without it being saved to your history.
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Temporary chat in ChatGPT
Keeps a sensitive question out of your chat history and out of AI training.
Start a new chat and select Temporary. Kept up to 30 days for safety, then deleted.
Featured in Issue 1
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Temporary chats in Gemini
The same idea for Gemini, with instructions for the web version.
Click Temporary chat next to New chat. Requires a personal Google Account.
Featured in Issue 1
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Incognito chats in Claude
The same idea for Claude.
Click the ghost icon when starting a new chat. Available on all plans, including Free.
Featured in Issue 1
Staying safe from scams
Learn the warning signs, and know where to turn.
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Understanding Deepfakes: What Older Adults Need to Know
Explains how fake videos and voices are used in investment, romance, and celebrity-endorsement scams, with red flags to watch for.
About a 9-minute read. Free.
Featured in Issue 1
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Fighting back against harmful voice cloning
What to do if a caller sounds like a family member in trouble. The key step is to call back on a number you know is theirs.
Short consumer alert. Free.
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Artificial Intelligence Scams
South Carolina's own guidance on AI-powered scams.
Free. The department also takes scam reports from South Carolina residents.
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AARP Fraud Watch Network
Up-to-date scam alerts, plus trained volunteers you can call if you think you've been targeted.
Free. The Fraud Watch Network Helpline is 877-908-3360; you don't need to be an AARP member.
Where to report fraud
If you've been targeted or have lost money, report it. Go to these sites by typing the address yourself.
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ReportFraud.ftc.gov
The main place to report most consumer scams.
Free. Report scams, fraud, and bad business practices.
Featured in Issue 1
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Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
Where to report online fraud to the FBI, especially if money was lost.
Free. IC3 has no social media accounts and never contacts you first.
Featured in Issue 1
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National Elder Fraud Hotline
Case managers help victims figure out next steps and file reports. Scammers sometimes pose as hotline staff, so if someone calls you claiming to be from the hotline, hang up and call the number yourself.
833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311), weekdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern. For adults 60 and older.
Featured in Issue 1
Know a resource other members would find useful? Send it to SCHHCC.AI.SIG@gmail.com.