Beginner · Module 03
Platform Orientation
After this, you will know where the main features are on your chosen AI platform so you can find them without searching.
Intro
This is a reference module. Read only the section for the platform you are using. Come back here whenever you need to find something.
Claude.ai (web and desktop)
Where to type: The text area in the centre of the screen. On desktop, it is in the centre of the window.
Where your past conversations are: The sidebar on the left lists every conversation you have had. The most recent ones appear at the top. Click any conversation to open it and pick up where you left off.
How to start a new conversation: Click New chat at the top of the left sidebar. On the desktop app, you can also use Cmd+N (Mac) or Ctrl+N (Windows).
Where Projects live: Projects are collections of conversations that share the same standing instructions. You will find them in the left sidebar under a Projects heading, or you can create one using the + button next to that heading. B-09 walks you through setting one up.
Where settings are: Click your account name or the icon in the bottom-left corner of the sidebar to open account settings. From there you can manage your profile, notifications, and connected apps.
ChatGPT
Where to type: The text area at the bottom of the screen, labelled "Message ChatGPT" or similar.
Where your past conversations are: The left sidebar lists your conversation history. Click any item to reopen it.
Which model to use: You may see a model name or dropdown near the top of the screen. If you are on the free plan, it will be set to the right model automatically. Leave it as-is — you do not need to change it for any exercise in this course.
How to start a new conversation: Click New chat at the top of the left sidebar. The new conversation is a blank slate — the AI has no memory of anything from previous conversations.
Where Custom Instructions live: Click your account name or icon in the bottom-left corner, then select Personalise or Custom instructions from the menu. This is where you can add standing instructions that apply to every conversation. B-09 walks you through setting these up.
Where settings are: Click your account name or icon in the bottom-left corner and select Settings.
Gemini
Where to type: The text area at the bottom of the screen.
Where your past conversations are: The left sidebar shows your recent conversations. Click any item to reopen it.
Which option to use: You may see options labelled something like Fast, Thinking, or Pro near the text area. For everyday tasks and all the exercises in this course, any of these will work. If you are unsure, leave it on the default.
How to start a new conversation: Click New chat in the left sidebar, or use the + button if one is visible.
Where Gems live: Gems are saved AI personas with custom instructions. Find them in the left sidebar under Gems, or access them via the Explore Gems option. B-09 covers how to use these for standing instructions.
Data and privacy: On Gemini's free plan, Google may use your conversations to improve its products. If you are working with sensitive or confidential material, keep this in mind before pasting it in. Paid plans offer stronger data privacy.
Where settings are: Click the menu icon (three horizontal lines) or your Google account icon in the top-right corner to reach settings.
Tines
Platform orientation for Tines will be added once updated UI details are confirmed. If you are using Tines, check with your workspace administrator for where to find the AI chat feature and any shared project settings.
Claude Code
Claude Code is a command-line tool for developers. If you are working in Claude Code, the Advanced track is the right place for you — start at A-00: Getting Started with Claude Code. The beginner modules are designed for the web and desktop platforms listed above.
Next
Now that you know where everything is, B-04 shows you how the length and detail of your message directly shapes the response you get back.