I'm Brand new to AI, which tools are actually worth trying first?

Hey everyone,\

I’m pretty new to AI and, honestly, a bit overwhelmed by how many tools are out there now.

Every time I look into it, I see people mentioning ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Midjourney, Perplexity, Cursor, Copilot, image tools, video tools, automation tools… and I can’t tell what a beginner should actually start... I’m just someone who wants to learn the basics properly and see where AI could actually help in real life and work.

So I’d love some beginner-friendly advice:

- Which tools would you start with first?

- Which free tools are genuinely enough at the beginning?

- Which paid tools are worth it once you know what you’re doing?

- Is it better to start with text tools first before trying image/code stuff?

- And are there any tools beginners waste time on because of hype?

Would be great to hear how people got started themselves, the AI tools they love and still use today.

ToddT,