workspace-course-topics

Assignment: Laptop Setup

Due: Before the first class meeting

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Bring a laptop to every class

This is a hands-on course. You will need a laptop computer at every class meeting.

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Requirements

Storage

Your laptop must have at least 30 GB of free disk space. Over the semester we will install development tools, clone repositories, and work with datasets that require substantial storage.

To check your free space:

• Windows: Open File Explorer → right-click your C: drive → Properties
• macOS: Apple menu → About This Mac → Storage (or: System Settings → General → Storage)
• Linux: Run df -h / in a terminal

If you are low on space, free up room before the first class by removing unused applications, clearing your Downloads folder, or emptying the trash.

General

• The laptop should be one you are comfortable installing software on (you will need admin/sudo access).
• Make sure it can connect to the campus Wi-Fi network.
• Bring a charger — class sessions can run long.

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What we will install (no action needed yet)

During the first few classes we will set up:

• Git (version control)
• WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux — Windows users only)
• Cursor (AI-enhanced code editor)
• Python environment with scientific packages
• LaTeX (document typesetting)
• PaperPile and LitMaps (bibliography and literature tools)

You do not need to install any of these before the first class. We will walk through the setup together.

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Deliverable

Arrive at the first class with your laptop charged, connected to Wi-Fi, and with at least 30 GB free.