Artificial intelligence best understood as support tech

Godknows Hofisi Business Law Introduction In my last two articles, I promised to write more on Artificial Intelligence. I will continue to do so, alternating with articles on the law. I am writing the current article following popular demand. Several readers contacted me saying they were waiting for more articles on AI. Artificial Intelligence In my article of last week, August 6, 2026, I attempted to define AI. I explained that AI is the science of making machines that can think, learn, and make decisions like humans. At its core, AI involves creating systems that can perform tasks requiring human intelligence, such as recognising images, understanding speech, solving problems, and making decisions. I added that, in simple terms, AI is like having a smart computer that can learn from experience, solve problems and make decisions on its own. Rather than merely following rigid instructions, AI systems can process large amounts of data, identify patterns and improve their performance over time. This capability has transformed industries worldwide, from healthcare and finance to agriculture and manufacturing. Artificial Intelligence tools Many readers, especially young people and students, now hear about AI tools such as Perplexity, ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and Microsoft Copilot and wonder what they actually do. Some know these are smart software tools, but they are not always sure how they differ or what kind of work each one is best suited for. To answer that question clearly, it helps to look at the role of each tool in simple language. There are many tools that are used for different purposes and I cannot cover all of them in this article. Perplexity This is an AI tool mainly used for research and quick answers. It is designed to help people ask questions, explore topics and find useful information fast. Many users rely on it when they want a short explanation, a summary of a subject, or a starting point before going deeper into research. It is especially useful for students, journalists and readers who want to understand a topic without spending hours searching through many webpages. ChatGPT This is quite popular with many people. It is one of the best-known AI assistants. It is usually used for writing, brainstorming, summarising and conversationally answering questions. A person can use it to draft emails, prepare essays, generate ideas, explain difficult concepts or even help with simple coding tasks. Its strength is flexibility as it can support many kinds of writing and problem-solving work. Claude It is another AI assistant that is often used for writing, document analysis and detailed explanations. It is particularly helpful when dealing with long texts, reports, or structured reasoning tasks. People often choose Claude when they need careful, organised responses or when they want help thinking through a complex issue step by step. It is a useful tool for researchers, professionals and students who work with lengthy material. Gemini This tool is Google’s AI assistant. It is commonly used for answering questions, writing content, searching for information and supporting productivity tasks across Google-based services. Because it connects naturally with the Google ecosystem, it is useful for people who already use Google tools for work, school or daily planning. It can help with research, drafting and general digital assistance. Microsoft Copilot It is built into Microsoft applications such as Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint. It is usually used in office work to draft documents, analyse spreadsheets, summarise emails and prepare presentations. Many businesses find it useful because it works inside familiar software that employees already use. In practice, it can save time and reduce repetitive tasks in the workplace. Common purpose Although these AI tools have different strengths, they share a common purpose. They help people work faster, think more clearly and manage information more efficiently. A student may use them to revise for an exam, a businessperson may use them to write a report and a manager may use them to prepare a presentation or review data. In this sense, AI tools are becoming everyday digital assistants. AI tools are not perfect However, users must remember that these tools are not perfect. They can sometimes produce mistakes, give incomplete answers, or present information that sounds convincing but is wrong. That is why important facts should always be checked before being used in academic, business or professional work. AI is best understood as support technology, not a replacement for human judgment. Conclusion The rise of AI software shows how quickly digital work is changing. What once required hours of reading, writing or organising can now be started in seconds. But the smartest users are not those who rely on AI blindly. They are the ones who understand each tool, use it wisely and keep control of the final decision. Disclaimer This simplified article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute the writer’s professional advice. It is based on research done using AI. Godknows (GK) Hofisi, LLB(UNISA), B.Acc(UZ), Hons B.Compt (UNISA), CA(Z), ACCA (Business Valuations) MBA(EBS, Heriot-Watt, UK) is the Managing Partner of Hofisi & Partners Commercial Attorneys, chartered accountant, insolvency practitioner, commercial arbitrator, registered tax accountant and advises on deals and transactions. He has extensive experience from industry and commerce and is a former World Bank staffer in the Resource Management Unit. He sits on the Board of the Council of Estate Administrators in Zimbabwe. He writes in his personal capacity. He can be contacted on +263 772 246 900 or ghofisi@ hofisilaw.com or gohofisi@ gmail.com. Visit www.hofisilaw.com for more articles.