When OpenAI introduced ChatGPT, it quickly went viral. Within five days of launching in November 2022, this large language model (LLM)gained 1 million users, making it one of the fastest-growing apps. This surge in popularity caught the attention of big corporations like Google and Microsoft to start their artificial intelligence projects and triggered an artificial intelligence (AI) race.
Given AI’s increasing utility and popularity, it’s inevitable that it will be integrated into Android phones andChromebooks.After all the hype about ChatGPT, people want to know what it’s all about. If you’re excited about trying ChatGPT but need help figuring out where to begin, you’ve come to the right place.
Understanding ChatGPT and its architecture
ChatGPT is a large language model based on the GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) architecture. It uses statistics,Reinforcement Learning (RL), andsupervised learningto index words, phrases, and sentences to generate human-like text.
The model doesn’t understand the content of its responses, but it’s skilled at guessing which words usually come together in sentences because of its transformer architecture and training.
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How to get started with ChatGPT
You’ll create an OpenAI account or sign in to use ChatGPT. You can do this by following these steps:
Navigating the ChatGPT user interface
There are different boxes, buttons, and windows after you log in to your OpenAI account. Here’s a breakdown of their functions.
GPT version and plugins
The current chat version of ChatGPT (GPT-3.5, GPT-4, or GPT Plugins) appears in the upper-left corner. ChatGPT’s plugins allow the LLM to connect to data it was not initially trained on and interact with services that aren’t part of it.
OpenAI does not control these plugins. You must trust a plugin before installing it. This is important because ChatGPT might share details like your conversations, custom instructions, and location with the plugin. There isn’t a limit on how many plugins you’re able to install, but ChatGPT only allows you to activate three at a time. You can download plugins from the plugin store.
Starting a new conversation
You’ll find aNew chatbutton in the upper-left corner of your screen. Click it to start a new conversation. ChatGPT saves the context of conversations by default. Creating a new chat means beginning a conversation without any prior context.
The GPT-3.5 model can keep up to the equivalent of three pages of text. After around 8,000 words, GPT-3.5 starts to forget what was said earlier in the conversation. Alternatively, you can pay $20 a month to get the version of GPT-4 that can remember nearly 50 pages.
Sharing ChatGPT interactions with others
The left sidebar of the interface serves as a hub for accessing your past conversations with ChatGPT. By default, every conversation is stored for 30 days before being permanently deleted unless you archive it or choose not to keep it from the settings menu. This gives you enough time to revisit previous chats. Within this section, you can also modify the title of each chat to identify, archive, delete, or share any conversation.
Maximizing chat space with close and open sidebar buttons
Clicking theClose sidebarbutton hides the sidebar and expands the chat area to fill the browser window. It provides more space for the chat content, making it easier to read long responses or view images and other media without scrolling horizontally. This feature can help you concentrate on reading or writing without being distracted.
Accessing Settings, My GPTs, Subscription Plans, and Custom Instructions
ChatGPT’s Custom Instructions feature allows you to customize how it interacts with you. you’re able to specify the tone, vocabulary, and role it should adopt during the conversation. If you want to take this further, create a customized version of ChatGPT. You can save this model in the My GPTs section to access it easily. Alternatively, clickExplore GPTsto check out the GPT Shop, a marketplace for pre-built models that suit your needs.
A closer look at ChatGPT’s text box and pre-made prompts
The text box is the input field to type prompts, questions, or any text you wish to send to ChatGPT. To make the AI accessible to everyone, it supports keyboard shortcuts,browser extensions, and other accessibility aids. If you are a Plus or Enterprise member, you can drag and drop or use theClipper iconon the left side of the text box to attach a file.ChatGPT supports All common file extensionsfor text files, spreadsheets, presentations, and documents.
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Above the text box are four random pre-made prompts. These prompts serve as conversation starters or prompt suggestions. They are handy for new users who need help figuring out what to ask or discuss with ChatGPT. The templates touch on various topics, ranging from questions to content creation.
The basics of interacting with ChatGPT
When you’re comfortable navigating the interface, it’s time to interact with the AI. Type your question or statement into the text box on the homepage and pressEnteror click theSend messagebutton. Almost instantly, ChatGPT provides you with a response. For example, when prompted withExplain how ChatGPT works in detail, ChatGPT delivers an informative answer. After receiving a response, you’ll find several options for your next steps.
Not happy with its results? ClickRegenerate(circular arrow icon) to have ChatGPT try again on your previous prompt without typing it again. Also, you may switch between old and new results when regenerating.
Another standout feature of ChatGPT is its ability to recall previous parts of the conversation, making it seem like you’re chatting with a friend. This lets you ask for changes or follow-ups without repeating yourself. For instance, if you want a shorter answer, type or say,“Try again, but this time explain it briefly.”
You can copy the results when you are happy with them by clicking theCopybutton.
Using ChatGPT’s reply feature for targeted responses
TheReplyfeature in ChatGPT lets you quickly address specific parts of the conversation. Highlight the message part you want to respond to and click the (")icon that appears. It’s handy for keeping track of topics or when the chat gets busy, helping you to stay organized. Plus, it helps ChatGPT give better, more relevant answers by clearly showing what you’re referring to.
Teaching ChatGP and the importance of disliking responses
ChatGPT can’t judge its responses like a human would. It depends on your input to learn and improve. If a response doesn’t meet your needs, click thethumbs-down iconbelow it.
You’ll then have a chance to tell ChatGPT more by typing your thoughts or choosing from quick feedback options like “This is harmful or unsafe,” “This isn’t true,” or “This isn’t helpful.” You can select more than one if needed.
How to start chatting out loud with voice-activated ChatGPT
This feature is accessible exclusively through the ChatGPT app on iOS and Android devices. For computer users, use third-party extensions and plugins to convert speech to text. Here’s how to choose ChatGPT’s voice:
Now, you are ready to start voice chat.
How to bring visuals into ChatGPT conversations
With a ChatGPT subscription, you can add images to your messages for an interactive experience. You can snap a photo of a historical landmark and ask for information about its history or architectural style. To do so:
From text prompts to images with ChatGPT’s DALL·E feature
One of the perks for Plus and Enterprise users is that you may create images without needing to buy separate credits, which are usually required for DALL·E if it isn’t bundled. You’re limited to 40 prompts in 3 hours for GPT-4, so use this feature wisely.
Have fun with ChatGPT
Now that you have the hang of ChatGPT, it’s playtime. If you’re looking for quick answers, a burst of creativity, coding tips, or writing support, thisgenerative AIhas your back. If you’re all in on maximizing your productivity, step up to ChatGPT Plus. It’s packed with more features to help you do more.
