2.1 Install git

For Mac and Linux users, please follow the instructions here.

If you are a Windows users, please first install a Linux terminal emulator, either install WSL, or Git Bash. The latter approach gives you git and a Linux terminal emulator. For WSL, there is a helpful tutorial on how to get started with git.

You can get always get away with using Windows command prompt or Power Shell, but it is greatly preferrable to use *nix emulator, and it will result in much more standardized workflows. We will not be able to support Windows command-based problems with git.

2.2 Install docker

If you are enrolled in the class, you need to do this step, which can be the final one. If not you can skip to the next section Download and install the version of docker for your operating system from here, and create an account. Note: You can sign up with your Github credentials, if you already have them.

2.3 Optional: Install R

Go to R page and download the current stable release, using the correct version for your operating system (Linux x86, Mac, Windows, etc).

2.4 Optional: Install RStudio Desktop

Go to RStudio page and download the current stable release, using the correct version for your operating system (Linux x86, Mac, Windows, etc).

2.5 Optional: Install RTools (Windows only)

Windows machine needs RTools to build some packages from source. It is better to install it beforehand. Go to RTools page to read the instruction, then download and install.

2.6 Optional: Install gdal

GDAL is a widely used library for geospatial data. A lot of R geospatial packages rely on it. R packages at the point (I think) typically don’t require it to function properly, but it will likely be useful for research projects later in the class. The way to install it differs by operating systems:

• Windows: go to this page to download and install the current stable version.

• Mac: a bit trickier, but probably best is to install using homebrew (see here for how to install it): brew install gdal.

• Linux: If you use a Linux machine, try to search the tutorial online for your operating systems to install. For example, GDAL is available for Ubuntu from the UbuntuGIS-Stable PPA. Let’s solve together if you got any issues.