The one-tool rule
Pick one primary job for the next two weeks. Extra installs create noise.
Match the job
Learn the language of AI → read Learn, then use ChatGPT, Claude.ai, or Gemini.
Run models on your machine → Ollama or LM Studio (see Ollama vs LM Studio); optional Open WebUI for a browser UI.
Study from your PDFs → NotebookLM (when uploads are allowed).
Research with links → Perplexity, then Semantic Scholar / Ai2 Asta for papers.
Ship code or UI faster → Cursor, GitHub Copilot, or a generator like v0 / Bolt for frontend drafts.
Northwest open models → Ai2 / Olmo (see Ai2 and Olmo in the Northwest).
FAQ
Should I learn prompting or Python first?
Do both in tiny loops: one clear prompt practice session, one tiny script or notebook.
Where is the full list?
The Tools index is the catalog. Comparisons sit on top when two products compete.