Everyone's talking about AI agents. But most "getting started" guides assume you want to:
- Write Python code
- Set up an API key
- Configure a VPS
- Debug webhooks at 11 PM
That's not getting started. That's getting frustrated.
This guide is different. You can use AI agents today without writing a single line of code. Here's how.
The one tool to start with
OpenClaude (formerly Claude Code) is the easiest entry point because:
- It works in plain English
- It has a free tier that actually works
- It can use your computer — open files, run commands, browse the web
- It remembers context between conversations
You don't need to install anything complicated. Just go to claude.ai and start talking.
Three ways to use it immediately
1. Email assistant
Tell OpenClaude:
"Every morning, summarize my unread emails. Flag anything urgent. Draft responses to the easy ones."
It can't access your email directly yet, but you can paste emails in and it will draft responses. Copy-paste is fine for starting.
2. Research buddy
Tell it:
"I want to understand [topic]. Give me the key concepts, the best resources, and what the smartest people get wrong about it."
It will search, read, and synthesize. Much faster than doomscrolling through 47 tabs.
3. Writing helper
Tell it:
"Review this email/essay/post. Make it clearer, more direct, and remove any filler words."
It will rewrite. You decide what to keep.
The next level (when you're ready)
Once you're comfortable chatting with an AI, try giving it access to your computer:
- Mac: Use the Claude Code desktop app
- Windows: Use the web version with the computer use feature
Now it can:
- Open and edit files
- Run terminal commands
- Take screenshots
- Browse websites
This is when it stops being a chatbot and starts being an employee.
Common beginner mistakes
Mistake #1: Trying to automate everything at once
Don't. Pick one task. Master it. Then add another.
Right: "Summarize my emails every morning" Wrong: "Manage my entire business"
Mistake #2: Not reviewing the output
AI makes mistakes. Always review before sending, publishing, or executing.
Mistake #3: Using it for things that need a human
AI is great for first drafts, research, and automation. It's not great at:
- Emotional conversations
- Nuanced negotiations
- Anything involving money or legal liability
Know the difference.
Your first week
- Day 1: Sign up for OpenClaude. Have one conversation about something you're working on.
- Day 2: Use it to write or edit one piece of content.
- Day 3: Ask it to explain a topic you don't understand.
- Day 4: Give it a simple task (summarize, extract, format).
- Day 5: Try the computer use feature if available.
By the end of the week, you'll know whether this is useful for you. Most people do.
What comes next
Once you're comfortable:
- Add Mem Free for AI-powered knowledge search
- Try Lovable for building simple apps
- Explore Bland AI for phone automation
Each tool adds a new capability. But you don't need all of them at once.
Start small. Build up.