L0-course-prep.Rmd

---
title: "Week 0: Course Prep"
output:
  html_document:
    number_sections: false
    toc: no
---

```{r setup, echo=FALSE, message=FALSE, warning=FALSE}
rm(list=objects()) # start with a clean workspace
source("knitr_setup.R")
```

This page has everything you need to do to prepare for class. 

**You should do all these things _before_ the first day of class.**

First, set up the following tools:

- **Slack**: the link to sign up for the course slack page is on the announcement on Blackboard.
- Install the Slack app on your phone and **turn notifications on!**
- Some tools we'll use will require that you be on the GW network. You can do that by installing the "Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client" software and loggin in to GW's VPN. Here's how to do that: 
    - Install [Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client](https://my.gwu.edu/mod/downloads/?category=VPN)
    - Follow [these instructions](https://gwu-myit.onbmc.com/dwp/app/#/knowledge/KBA00002611/rkm) to log on to the VPN with your GW NetID

Next, install the latest version of R and RStudio:

- [Download and install R](https://cloud.r-project.org) (version 4.0.2 or higher)
- [Download and install RStudio](https://rstudio.com/products/rstudio/download/) (Desktop version)

**We will always work in RStudio**, so be careful to open RStudio and not the default R application that comes with R:

<div style="width:200px">
Open this   | Not this!
:----------:|:----------:
![](images/RStudio-Ball.png){ width=50 }  |  ![](images/Rlogo.png){ width=50 }
</div>

That's it - you're all set for class!