Student Setup Guide


Overview

This guide will help you set up the software and accounts that you’ll be using for your project.

  1. Anaconda (Python)
  2. Create a Python environment
  3. Visual Studio Code (VS Code)
  4. Overleaf
  5. GitHub
  6. GitHub Desktop
  7. Box

Part 1: Anaconda

Anaconda provides Python, package management, and scientific computing tools.

To download and install Anaconda, go to https://www.anaconda.com/download and download Anaconda for your operating system. Open the installer and follow the installation wizard.

To verify your installation, open Anaconda Prompt in Windows or Terminal in macOS/Linux and type the following into the prompt.

conda --version

You should see something like:

conda 25.x.x

Part 2: Create a Python Environment

Using separate environments helps keep projects organized. To create a new environment, open Anaconda Prompt in Windows or Terminal in MacOS/Linux and type the following into the prompt.

conda create -n research python=3.12

Press:

y

when prompted. To activate the environment, type the following into the prompt.

conda activate research

You should now see:

(research)

at the beginning of the command prompt.

Part 3: Visual Studio Code (VS Code)

Go to https://code.visualstudio.com/ and download the version for your operating system. Follow the installation wizard.

Configure VS Code for Python

  1. Open VS Code.
  2. Click Extensions in the left sidebar.
  3. Search for Python and install the extensions for Python and Jupyter Notebook.

Select Your Conda Environment

  1. Open VS Code.
  2. Press: Ctrl+Shift+P (or Command+Shift+P on Mac)
  3. Type: Python: Select Interpreter
  4. Select the research environment (or whichever environment you created).

Test Python in VS Code

Create a file named: hello.py with the following contents:

print("Hello World")

Run the file and verify that the output is:

Hello World

Part 4: Overleaf

Overleaf is an online LaTeX editor used for papers, reports, homework, and research manuscripts.

To set up an account, go to https://www.overleaf.com and register for an account using your UMN email address. Be sure to verify your email address.

Create Your First Project

  1. Click New Project.
  2. Select Blank Project and give it a project name. This will be the project directory for your capstone project materials.
  3. Compile the project.
  4. Click on the Share button in the top right hand corner and add me as a collaborator on your project.

Part 5: GitHub

GitHub stores code, tracks revisions, and supports collaboration.

To create a GitHub account, go to https://github.com and sign up for an account. Be sure to verify your email address.

Create Your First Repository

  1. After logging in, click New Repository.
  2. Example settings: 
    Repository Name:
my-first-project
  3. Check: Add README
  4. Click Create Repository.

Part 6: GitHub Desktop

GitHub Desktop provides a graphical interface for Git. Go to https://desktop.github.com and download and install the application.

Using GitHub Desktop

  1. Open GitHub Desktop.
  2. Click Sign in to GitHub.com.
  3. Complete browser authentication.

Clone a repository

To clone a repository, click on File then Clone Repository. Select your repository. Choose a local folder and click Clone.

Commit and Push Changes

After editing files:

  1. Enter a commit message.
  2. Click: Commit to Main
  3. Click: Push Origin

Your changes will be uploaded to GitHub.

Part 7: Box

Many universities use Box for secure file storage and collaboration. To create an account go to https://box.umn.edu/. Sign in using your university credentials.