In this recitation section we will familiarize ourselves with the IPython Notebook environment. You may use your own computers, or one of our lab computers.

You may install the software on your computer from anaconda.

From the command line you would start the program with jupyter notebook or /anaconda/bin/jupyter notebook. Alternatively, the Anaconda installation will create a hot-link. For example, on the lab PC's you can click the "start" button. One of the options will be "Anaconda3 (64 bit)". Choose "Jupyter Notebook" from the submenu.

The Jupyter launcher will start up in a web browser. This should show you a list of files which are in the directory that you run it from (or if you use the hot-links, it will show you the files in your home directory). You can navigate this directory structure, or you can create new directories by clicking "New". It is good practice to create a new directory to work in. Navigate to this new directory.

You will then need to download the notebook file by right-clicking on the link on the upper right of this page. Select "save target as" -- proceed to save it in the correct directory. It is good practice to rename it (for example by adding your initials).

The file should now show up in the Jupyter launcher. Click it and follow the directions. IT is possible that the downloading process has changed the file extension. If so, you can use the launcher to fix it. Click the box beside the file name. At the top of the screen a series of options should then appear. Click rename, and change the extension back to ".ipynb".

You should regularly save the file. When you have completed the notebook, save it, then upload it to Blackboard. If you are using a lab computer, you should also make a copy for your own use. This can be done by emailing it to yourself, using dropbox, or using a usb drive. The hard drives of the lab computers are regularly wiped.

This is supposed to be fun. Work together, and help one-another. Use Google, and ask for help from the instructor and your peers.