install.qmd

# Install Party {#install}

Let's get this party started.

::: callout-tip

## Mac vs PC {.unnumbered}

I'm a big fan of using keyboard commands to do operations in any program, but I use a Mac so keyboard commands come from that perspective. So if I say use *Cmd+S* or *Command+S* to save, that translates to *Cntl+S* or *Control+S* on a PC. You can typically just switch *Cmd* (for Mac) and *Cntl* (for PC), but occasionally there are other differences. You can usually check menu items in RStudio to figure out the command for your computer or go to **Tools > Keyboard Shortcuts Help** to see all the keyboard shortcuts for your system.

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::: callout-important

## RStudio vs posit.cloud {.unnumbered}

This book is written assuming the use of the RStudio IDE application, which is free and available for Macs, PC's and Linux. In cases where computers have trouble running R and Rstudio, it is possible to to use the online [posit.cloud](https://posit.cloud/) version of RStudio. If you are using posit.cloud for the Reporting with Data class, you'll likely hit a pay tier at some point. The Student plan at \$5/mo is typically sufficient. You may find some specific posit.cloud instructions in this book, but I don't outline every difference.

Otherwise below we will install R and RStudio on your computer. It might take some time depending on your Internet connection.

:::

## Installing R

R is a programming language that must be installed onto your computer. That said, you'll never "launch" R as a program in a traditional sense, as we will use a different program to "use" R.

1.  Go to <https://cloud.r-project.org/>, which is the download page on CRAN (the Comprehensive R Archive Network).
    - Click on the link for your operating system.
    - For Macs, you'll need to know if you have an Apple or Intel chip. Most Macs made since 2020 are on Apple chips. If you aren't sure, go under the Apple menu to **About this Mac** and you should be able to see if you have *Apple* or *Intel*. You'll choose which download based on that.
    - For Windows, you want the "base" package. You'll need to decide whether you want the 32- or 64-bit version. (Unless you've got a pretty old system, chances are you'll want 64-bit.)

All you need to do is install this. You won't "launch" it.

## Installing R Studio

The second step is to install RStudio application. It is an "integrated development environment" -- or IDE -- for programming in R and Python. Basically, it's the program you will use when doing work for this class.


2.  Go to the [RStudio Download page](https://docs.posit.co/ide/user/#rstudio-ide-oss-downloads)
    - Look at the list of Platforms and then choose your version to download.
    - Find your download file and install it as you would most applications on your computer. If you are asked questions during the install, just choose the default option.
        - On a Mac you need to double-click on the `Rstudio-xxx.dmg` file to open it and then drag the RStudio icon on top of the Application icon. This copies the software to your computer. After that is done you can close that folder and eject the .dmg disc.
        - On PCs, double-click on the downloaded `RStudio-xxx.exe` file.

## Class project folder

To keep things consistent and help with troubleshooting, I recommend that you save your work in the same location all the time.

-   On both Mac and Windows, every user has a "Documents" folder. Open that folder. (If you don't know where it is, ask for help to find it.)
-   Create a new folder called "rwd". Use all lowercase letters.

When we create new "Projects", I want you to always save them in the `rwd` folder. This just keeps us all on the same page.

::: callout-warning

## If you use iCloud ...

If you use a Mac and your `Documents` folder is stored in iCloud, then we should move your `rwd` folder to someplace NOT in iCloud. This is something I'd rather do in person, so holler.

:::