Development Environment Setup
The main setup question is not simply whether you have a computer. It is whether you have access to the framework used by the examples and to the operating-system environment expected by the course.
The Setup Decision
Before working through the course's deep-learning examples, check two parts of your development environment: the framework used by the examples and the operating-system environment available to you. The framework is Keras, and the course expects access to a UNIX machine. Windows is also possible, but it is not recommended.
The main setup question is not simply whether you have a computer. It is whether you have access to the framework used by the examples and to the operating-system environment expected by the course.
The Two Requirements
- 1Identify the framework used by the course code examples: Keras.
- 2Check whether you have access to a UNIX machine.
- 3If you plan to use Windows, recognize that it is possible but not recommended.
- 4Consult Appendix A for the complete setup instructions.
These checks answer different questions. Keras identifies the deep-learning framework that the course examples use. The UNIX requirement identifies the operating-system environment expected for working through those examples. Treating both as setup requirements helps you find a mismatch before beginning the practical material.
Choosing the Operating Environment
| Environment | Course guidance | What to remember |
|---|---|---|
| UNIX | Required access and recommended | This is the environment expected by the course. |
| Windows | Possible but not recommended | It can be used, but it is not the preferred option for the course. |
The course distinguishes between the expected UNIX environment and the possible Windows alternative.
The distinction is important: Windows is not described as impossible. It is described as possible but not recommended. UNIX is the environment the course expects you to have access to, so it is the preferred choice when preparing to follow the examples.
A Setup Check in Practice
Evaluating two learner setups
A learner wants to begin the course's deep-learning examples. Learner A has access to a UNIX machine. Learner B has Windows and wants to know whether the course is impossible to follow. How should each learner interpret the setup guidance?
- 1Identify the framework
Both learners should know that the course code examples use Keras.
- 2Check the operating system
Learner A has access to the UNIX environment expected by the course.
- 3Interpret the Windows option
Learner B can use Windows because it is possible, but Windows is not the recommended environment.
- 4Find the full instructions
Both learners should consult Appendix A for the complete setup instructions.
Learner A has the recommended operating-system access. Learner B is not automatically blocked, but is using an option the course does not recommend.
Mistakes to Avoid
Common mistake Assuming the course uses an unspecified or interchangeable deep-learning framework.
What it looks likeTreating the framework choice as irrelevant before starting the examples.
Why it failsThe course code examples use Keras.
Do this insteadRecord Keras as the framework used by the course examples.
Common mistake Treating Windows as the recommended environment.
What it looks likeChoosing Windows and assuming it has the same recommendation status as UNIX.
Why it failsWindows is possible, but it is not recommended.
Do this insteadPrefer access to a UNIX machine when preparing for the course.
Common mistake Interpreting the Windows guidance as a complete prohibition.
What it looks likeConcluding that a learner using Windows cannot use the course at all.
Why it failsThe source says Windows is possible, while also saying it is not recommended.
Do this insteadDescribe Windows accurately as possible but not recommended.
Common mistake Skipping the complete setup instructions.
What it looks likeBeginning the examples after checking only the operating system.
Why it failsAppendix A contains the complete setup instructions.
Do this insteadUse Appendix A before working through the deep-learning examples.
Your Environment Check
Write a two-line setup decision for yourself. In the first line, name the framework used by the course examples. In the second line, state whether your available operating-system environment is the recommended UNIX option or the possible but not recommended Windows option. Then identify where you would find the complete setup instructions.
Hints
- The framework name begins with K.
- The recommended environment is a UNIX machine.
- The complete instructions are in Appendix A.
What do you think happens?
A learner has Windows rather than UNIX. Based on the course guidance, should the learner describe the course as impossible to use?
Reveal answer
No, because Windows is possible, although not recommended.
The course expects access to a UNIX machine, but the source explicitly states that Windows can also be used. The recommendation and the possibility are different points.
Setup Checklist
- 1Keras is the open-source, free-to-download framework used by the course examples.
- 2The course requires access to a UNIX machine, which is the recommended environment.
- 3Windows is possible but not recommended.
- 4Appendix A contains the complete setup instructions.
- 5Check both the framework and the operating-system environment before beginning the deep-learning examples.
Key Takeaways
- The course examples use Keras, an open-source, free-to-download framework.
- The expected operating-system access is a UNIX machine.
- Windows can be used, but it is not recommended.
- Appendix A provides the complete setup instructions.
- A correct setup check considers both the framework and the operating-system environment.