Artificial intelligence is the science of machines carrying out tasks that require intelligence when done by humans. Artificial intelligence has been in use for many years. For example, every time you speak to a travel agent, or receive a letter or bill from the Government, this is artificial intelligence. The main purpose of artificial intelligence is to make machines perform tasks that normally require human intelligence - things like reasoning, problem solving, learning, and understanding language. For example, if you ask your computer to look for a particular word or phrase in a document, you are using artificial intelligence. If you ask your computer to analyze your banking transactions and suggest ways of reducing your overdraft, you are also using artificial intelligence.