Conventions

Glossary

The same words and icons appear in every Ask & Answer™ guidebook and on this site. Use this page as a quick map.

Andee™, the friendly Computer Helper

Andee™ is she/her. She teaches every Ask & Answer™ guidebook. She is warm, patient and never in a hurry. She uses short sentences and plain words, and she names each AI SafeStep™ step as you go.

“Hi, I’m Andee. I will help you take one small step at a time. You can always ask again.”

On this site her name appears as the colored wordmark: a green “And” with a burnt orange “ee”. In the guidebooks you will also see her face lockups. Meet Andee tells her full story.

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Callout icons in every guide

Each note in the margin has its own icon, so you know at a glance what it is for. These are the same icons from the Ask & Answer™ design system.

• Andee says…Andee talks to youAndee’s voice in the margin. She speaks to you in plain words, one idea at a time.
• Andee’s Handy HintA useful tipA small tip that makes the next step easier. Worth keeping.
• Ask AndeeWords to type or sayReady-made words you can type or say to an AI tool. Change them to fit your own life.
• Hold On!Slow downA gentle stop sign. Pause before you click, call, reply or share.
• Something’s FishyScam alertA warning that something may be a scam or a trick. Do not click, call or pay until you check.
• Lock It UpPrivacyKeep private details private: passwords, codes, bank and card numbers, Social Security and Medicare numbers.
• Look TwiceCheck itLook again. Check names, numbers, dates and anything that affects money, health, legal matters or safety.
• Give It a GoTry it nowA short practice task. Try it on your own device when you are ready.
• Quick QuizCheck yourselfA few short questions to see what stuck. No grades. You can try again anytime.
• Lightbulb MomentThe big ideaThe main idea of the lesson, said in one clear line.
• Tie a StringRemember thisA note to remember later. Put it where you will see it.
• Piggy Bank WinA money-saving winA free or money-saving tip: a free plan, a free door, or a way to avoid an unnecessary charge.

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The five AI SafeStep™ steps

Exactly five steps, always in this order. They work with every AI tool.

1. 

   Step 1: Pause

   Think before you type. What do I want? Is any of this private?

   Stop before you act on an answer. Nothing an AI tool says needs to be used in the next minute.

2. 

   Step 2: Ask

   Write your question in plain words.

   Ask again in your own words. “Please make that simpler.” “Use a real-life example.” “Give me only three steps.”

3. 

   Step 3: Check

   Look over the answer. Is it right? Where did it come from?

   Check anything that affects money, health, legal matters, or safety with an official source or a trusted person.

4. 

   Step 4: Protect

   Keep your private details safe. Watch for scams.

   Protect private details. No Social Security number, bank or card numbers, full medical records, or passwords.

5. 

   Step 5: Improve

   Review, refine and re-ask.

   Review, refine and re-ask. Look back on what worked, keep learning, and ask someone you trust to help make your next step safer.

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A to Z of plain AI words

Words a beginner meets in the guides and on this site, said simply.

AI (artificial intelligence)

Computer programs that can answer questions, write text or make pictures. AI SafeStep™ helps you use them safely.

App

A program on a phone, tablet or computer. Some AI tools are apps; some are websites.

Chatbot

An AI tool you talk to by typing or speaking, one message at a time, like a conversation.

Engine / model

The “brain” behind a chatbot. Different tools can use different models. You do not need to pick one to get started.

Free Door

A&A language for a free way in: a free plan, free app or free website you can try without paying.

Hallucination / AI mistake

When an AI tool sounds sure but is wrong or makes something up. That is why Check is a full step.

Hosted AI

An AI tool that runs on the company’s computers. You open it in a browser or app and your messages go to their servers.

Living Edition

A guidebook page that can be updated when the tool’s screen changes, so learners are not stuck with old buttons.

Open-source

Software or models that anyone can look at, share and often run themselves. Ollama and many Hugging Face models are examples.

Privacy setting

A control that decides what the tool remembers or shares about you. Look for it in Settings or Account.

Prompt

The message you type or say to an AI tool. A clear, plain prompt usually gets a clearer answer.

Resident AI

An AI program that runs on your own computer. Your chat can stay on your device when you use it offline.

Scam

A message that tries to trick you into clicking, calling or paying. Hold On! and Something’s Fishy callouts warn you.

Trusted person

Someone you already know and trust: a family member, friend, librarian, doctor, lawyer or help desk.

Still wondering? Read the FAQ, or browse AI Resources.

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