Learners should have access to a personal computer with admin privileges. For the bare minimum specifications required to run Python scripts files throughout an entire session, you might consider the following:
- RAM: 4GB is the absolute minimum, but it's important to be aware of performance limitations, especially when dealing with larger data sets or more complex scripts.
- Storage: A minimum of 25GB of storage is necessary. An HDD would suffice, though an SSD would provide better performance, albeit not essential.
- CPU: The bare minimum would be a basic dual-core processor, such as an older generation Intel Pentium, or an AMD A6 or AMD Athlon processor.
- Operating System: Any modern operating system that supports Python is required. This includes older versions of Windows (like Windows 10), macOS (High Sierra 10.13), or Linux distributions. The operating system should be stable and compatible with the programming software in use. It's advisable to avoid ChromeOS, Android OS, and iPadOS; although they may be able to these tasks, they do not support out-of-the-box usage, and the effort required for setup and operation is not justifiable. Additionally, these operating systems are not commonly used in the industry for such tasks.
Reliable and high-speed internet access is essential for downloading software, accessing online materials, and participating in virtual classes.
To ensure a smooth learning experience, we recommend a minimum internet connection speed of:
- 10 Mbps Download
- 5 Mbps Upload
All module content will be housed on the DSI GitHub: https://github.com/UofT-DSI
Learners must make a GitHub account at the following page if they don't already have one: https://github.com/
- Sign Up: On the GitHub homepage, you'll find a "Sign up" button. Click on it.
- Create a GitHub Account: You'll be prompted to enter your information:
- Username: Choose a unique username that will identify you on GitHub.
- Email address: Provide a valid email address.
- Password: Create a secure password.
- Select the free plan
Most of the technical requirements are addressed in the environment_setup directory. Please refer to the document that corresponds to your operating system.