# Prerequisites - Workshop 01 Morning: VS Code Setup

## Before You Begin

This workshop transforms your computer into a professional AI command centre. Ensure you meet these requirements for the best experience.

## Required Knowledge

### Essential Skills
- ✅ **Basic Computer Literacy**
  - Can install software
  - Comfortable with files and folders
  - Basic typing skills
  - Can navigate web browsers

- ✅ **No Coding Experience Required**
  - This is NOT a programming workshop
  - We focus on document creation and AI integration
  - Everything is explained from first principles

### Helpful (But Not Required)
- 📝 Experience with Microsoft Word or Google Docs
- 📧 Familiarity with email and web applications
- 📁 Basic understanding of file organization

## Technical Requirements

### Hardware Specifications

**Minimum Requirements:**
- **Processor:** Dual-core CPU (2015 or newer)
- **RAM:** 4GB minimum, 8GB recommended
- **Storage:** 2GB free disk space
- **Display:** 1280x720 resolution minimum

**Recommended Specifications:**
- **Processor:** Quad-core CPU
- **RAM:** 8GB or more
- **Storage:** 5GB free (for extensions and projects)
- **Display:** 1920x1080 or higher

### Operating System

**Supported Platforms:**
- ✅ Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit)
- ✅ macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or newer
- ✅ Ubuntu 18.04+, Debian 9+, Fedora 34+

**Administrator Access Required:**
- Ability to install software
- Modify system settings
- Install extensions

### Internet Connection

**Requirements:**
- **Speed:** 5 Mbps minimum (for downloads and AI)
- **Stability:** Consistent connection preferred
- **Data:** ~500MB for initial setup
- **Ongoing:** AI features require internet

## Software Prerequisites

### Must Install Before Workshop

**1. Web Browser (Modern)**
- Google Chrome (recommended)
- Firefox
- Edge
- Safari (macOS)

**2. Optional: Text Editor**
- Notepad (Windows) / TextEdit (Mac)
- For taking notes during workshop

### Will Install During Workshop

We'll install these together:
- VS Code (primary tool)
- VS Code extensions
- AI integrations
- Optional: Docker Desktop (for containers)

## Account Setup (Optional)

### Recommended (Free Accounts)

**For AI Integration (Choose One):**
- 🤖 **OpenAI Account** (GPT access)
  - Visit: https://platform.openai.com
  - Free tier available
  - Credit card for API access

- 🤖 **Anthropic Account** (Claude access)
  - Visit: https://console.anthropic.com
  - Free tier available
  - API key required

- 🤖 **Google AI Studio** (Gemini access)
  - Visit: https://makersuite.google.com
  - Free tier generous
  - No credit card needed

**For Version Control:**
- 🐙 **GitHub Account** (Phase 2: Version Control)
  - Visit: https://github.com/signup
  - Free account sufficient
  - Used for backups and collaboration

### Not Required
- No paid subscriptions needed
- No premium tools required
- Free tiers sufficient for learning

## Project Preparation

### Bring Real Work

**Most Effective Learning:**
Have a real project in mind:
- Document you need to write
- Proposal to create
- Research to organize
- Report to complete

**Suggested Projects:**
- Meeting notes template
- Project proposal
- Research summary
- Business report
- Technical documentation

### Create Workshop Folder

**Before the workshop:**
```bash
# Create a dedicated folder
Documents/
  └── AI-Workshop/
      ├── morning-session/
      └── afternoon-session/
```

**Benefits:**
- Organized materials
- Easy to find exercises
- Clean workspace

## Mental Preparation

### Set Expectations

**This Workshop IS:**
- ✅ Hands-on and practical
- ✅ Focused on immediate productivity
- ✅ Suitable for non-programmers
- ✅ About AI-enhanced documentation
- ✅ Fast-paced but thorough

**This Workshop IS NOT:**
- ❌ A programming course
- ❌ Theory-heavy
- ❌ Slow-paced lecture
- ❌ Passive watching
- ❌ One-size-fits-all

### Time Commitment

**Workshop Duration:** 3 hours

**Schedule:**
- 00:00-00:30: Concepts and theory
- 00:30-02:00: Hands-on setup
- 02:00-02:30: Practical exercises
- 02:30-02:50: Real project work
- 02:50-03:00: Assessment

**Post-Workshop:**
- 1 hour: Personal practice
- 1 week: Daily application
- 1 month: Mastery through use

## What to Bring

### Physical Items
- 💻 Laptop (fully charged)
- 🔌 Power adapter
- 🖱️ Mouse (optional, but helpful)
- 📓 Notebook and pen (for notes)

### Digital Items
- 📧 Email access (for verification codes)
- 🔑 Passwords ready (for account creation)
- 📁 Real project files (to work on)

## Pre-Workshop Checklist

### One Day Before

- [ ] Verify computer meets requirements
- [ ] Test internet connection
- [ ] Charge laptop fully
- [ ] Create workspace folder
- [ ] Identify real project to work on
- [ ] Clear calendar (3 uninterrupted hours)

### One Hour Before

- [ ] Close unnecessary applications
- [ ] Disable notifications
- [ ] Test audio/video (if virtual)
- [ ] Have water and snacks ready
- [ ] Open this workshop page
- [ ] Be ready to learn!

## Getting Help

### During Workshop

**If you encounter issues:**
1. Raise hand / unmute (virtual)
2. Ask in chat
3. Note for office hours

**Common Issues:**
- Installation permissions → Contact IT
- Internet problems → Use mobile hotspot
- Can't keep up → Mark sections for review

### After Workshop

**Support Channels:**
- 📧 Email: workshop@dreamlab.ai
- 💬 Discord: [Workshop Channel]
- 📅 Office Hours: Fridays 2-3pm GMT
- 📖 Documentation: This website

## Accessibility

### Accommodations Available

**We support:**
- Screen readers
- Keyboard-only navigation
- High-contrast themes
- Adjustable font sizes
- Caption/transcript requests

**Request Accommodations:**
- Email: accessibility@dreamlab.ai
- Notice: 48 hours preferred
- Alternative formats available

## FAQ: Prerequisites

### "I've never coded before. Is this for me?"
**Absolutely!** This workshop is designed for non-programmers. We use VS Code as a document editor, not a coding tool.

### "Do I need to pay for AI services?"
**No.** Free tiers are available for all AI providers we use. You can complete the entire workshop without spending money.

### "What if my computer is old?"
**Try it!** If your computer can run a web browser, it can likely run VS Code. Performance may vary, but core features work on older hardware.

### "Can I use a tablet or Chromebook?"
**Limited.** VS Code has a web version, but the full desktop experience is recommended for this workshop.

### "What if I can't install software?"
**Contact us.** We may have alternative approaches or can help you request IT permissions.

### "Do I need to finish in one sitting?"
**No.** Content is modular. Take breaks, return later. Your progress saves automatically.

## Success Stories

> "I was worried about the technical requirements, but everything installed smoothly and I was up and running in 10 minutes."
> — Sarah M., Marketing Director

> "My 7-year-old laptop handled everything perfectly. Don't let old hardware stop you!"
> — David K., Academic Researcher

> "I've never touched code before. This workshop made everything clear and accessible."
> — Emma L., Business Consultant

## Ready to Transform?

If you meet these prerequisites, you're ready for an incredible journey. This workshop will change how you work with documents and AI forever.

**See you in the workshop!**

---

[Proceed to Workshop →](./00_introduction.md) | [Back to Workshop Overview](README.md)