Computer
The key tool that we will be using throughout the entire
curriculum will be a computer. Regardless of what skill you will be learning,
you will need a computer, and with access to the internet.
Public Library Computer
If you can’t afford a computer right now, then you can
complete the first 3 stages of my curriculum at the public library. And if this
is an option, you will be using their suite of Microsoft Office, as it is
installed on their computers. This can be an advantage as you won’t need to set
up the Linux operating system on your computer, or need to install additional
software.
So, if you are willing and have transportation, I recommend
learning the first 3 stages of my curriculum at the Public Library. You can
keep the costs of buying a computer; you will see later that a computer that is
adequate and up to specification can be costly.
Additional tools you will need to study at a library will be
a USB storage (32 gigabytes and above), and an email address.
Personal Computer
If you have the personal expenses and you are more private
about learning these new skills, then I recommend a gaming laptop. I recommend
a gaming laptop because the hardware used (CPU’s, RAM, Storage, and GPU’s) are
typically more powerful than a traditional business laptop. We won’t be needing
a laptop with a GPU for data analytics, so if you prefer to purchase a
traditional business laptop you can certainly do so to cut costs. I repeat, YOU
CAN BUY A BUSINESS LAPTOP, it just won’t be as powerful or as fast.
Regardless, for starting out, I recommend a GAMING LAPTOP
with the following specifications:
Minimum: Ideal:
8 Gigabytes of RAM 16
Gigabytes of RAM
512 Gigabytes of SSD Storage 1
Terabyte of SSD Storage
Intel i5 6-core CPU or Ryzen 5 6-core CPU Intel i5 6-core CPU or Ryzen 5
6-core CPU
Nvidia GPU 4 GB RAM Nvidia
GPU 4 GB RAM
You can get by with the “Minimum” requirements. Although,
once you start to take on sizable projects you will need more power and
storage.
Here are some laptops that you can find on Amazon.com that
meet the minimum requirements:
Victus 16 Gaming
Laptop (prices vary, but are typically less than $1000)
Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Gaming Laptop (prices vary, but are typically less than $800)
A “minimum” spec-ed computer will cost anywhere between $750
and $1050 depending on the brand. A word of advice, take some time to do worthy
research—given the specs outlined above—and wait for seasonal sales. You can
also use this strategy for the “Ideal” spec-ed machine, as they are, on
average, $150 more costly.
If you do decide to purchase a traditional business laptop,
make sure that it has the following specifications, at minimum:
8 Gigabytes of RAM
512 Gigabytes of SSD Storage
Intel i5 Latest generation CPU or Ryzen 5 Latest generation CPU
Some models might include:
HP 15 Business Laptop (prices vary, but are typically less than $700)
Acer Swift 3 Thin & Light Laptop (prices vary, but are typically less than $800)
The goal is to cut costs as much as possible WHILE
future-proofing your machine. Don’t go for the cheapest laptop. Find a laptop
that has decent quality and can last you a while.
Virtual Machines
If you decide to have a laptop with the “minimum”
specifications, I would also recommend the use of “virtual machines” on a cloud
platform service. Don’t freak out! I will assist you with the process once the
time comes. We will be using virtual machines either in the cloud or on your
personal computer later on, so just a word of caution. I will post more on the
subject of cloud-based virtual machines as I start to become more familiar with
them. They are INCREDIBLY accessible, and super cheap (approximately 6 pennies
each hour), but they do require a learning curve.
If you spend too much or too little on a laptop, please
PLEASE make sure it has A LOT of RAM, ideally 16 Gigabytes. RAM is the most
important component, then the CPU, then the SSD storage.
Linux Ubuntu
I am a huge believer in using Linux in combination with local
virtual machines for the purpose of learning free and open-sources solutions.
Now, if I find that much of my audience has the means to buy not only a laptop,
but also a yearly subscription of Microsoft Office, then there would be no use
for Linux.
I will be learning as we take our journey together as to
which path to take to optimize your learning of data analytics. If users are
willing to spend $70 for a yearly subscription for Microsoft Office then I will
downgrade our priorities for a Linux-based solution. Yes, it’s a free solution,
but it has steeper learning curve, and requires more hardware for a supported
virtual machine environment.
Final Words
The cheapest solution is to focus on the first 3 stages of
the curriculum in the library. Then, purchase a personal laptop with Microsoft
Office. There are other options available, and they are listed above. I hope
this helps.