ESSENTIAL FIRST STEPS
Complete the tasks below before starting any coursework. This page outlines the minimum actions needed to begin successfully.

Table of Contents

 

Immediate Setup

1. Configure Canvas Time Zone

  • Set your Canvas time zone to your local time zone.
  • This ensures that due dates appear correctly based on where you live.

2. Access Gradescope

  • Log in to Gradescope via Canvas to confirm access.
  • All assignment submissions happen here.

3. Join Ed Discussion

  • Join Ed Discussion and review pinned posts.
  • This is your only platform for course questions and updates.

4. Review the Course Schedule

  • Visit the Schedule page to see all assignment due dates.
  • Helps you plan ahead and avoid late submissions.

5. Locate Your GTID

  • Your 9-digit GTID is required for project submissions.

How to find it:

  1. Go to https://oscar.gatech.edu/
  2. Click “Secure Access Login”
  3. Select “Personal Information”
  4. Look under your name for “ID Number”

 

Essential Reading

You are expected to review the following course documents:

 

Project Requirements

Overview

  • Review all assignments in the Projects section.
  • Confirm you meet the prerequisites for each project.
  • Ensure your system meets the necessary requirements.

System Requirements Summary

Project Type VM Requirement Notes
MITM, ML Projects No VM required Compatible with general systems
All Other Projects VM required Must meet Technical Requirements
ARM Macs Not supported Only Intel/AMD processors supported

 

Critical Course Policies

Prohibited Actions

  • Use of AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Copilot) is not allowed.
  • Copying code from any source results in a zero.
  • Late submissions are not accepted for any reason.

Communication Expectations

  • Ed Discussion is the only communication platform.
  • Emails will not receive responses.
  • Posts must follow formatting rules: search first, provide context, avoid screenshots.

Daily Course Habits

  • Check Ed Discussion for new announcements.
  • Monitor pinned threads for updates.
  • Start and submit assignments early.
  • Ask for help only via Ed Discussion.

 

Technical Setup

If Your Project Requires a VM

  • Use VirtualBox (officially supported).
  • Required system specs: 8GB RAM, 100GB storage, 4 CPU cores.
  • Compatible with Intel/AMD machines only (no ARM Macs).

Common Technical Issues

  • See VM Troubleshooting for help.
  • Always use your Georgia Tech credentials for logins.
  • Extension requests must be submitted before the deadline with documentation.

 

Getting Help

Before Asking Questions

  • Search Ed Discussion first.
  • Review relevant course materials.
  • Ensure you meet project prerequisites.
  • Try basic troubleshooting steps.

When You Post

  • Use the correct project thread.
  • Provide meaningful context (don’t just say “it doesn’t work”).
  • Use plain text for code/errors — no screenshots.

Where to Post

  • General questions: Ed Discussion
  • Private concerns (extensions, academic issues): Private post on Ed
  • Project help: Use the designated project thread

Course Tools

Policies & Guidelines

Technical Support

 

Getting Started Confirmation

By completing the steps above, you confirm that:

  • Your environment is configured and ready.
  • You understand and agree to all course policies.
  • You are able to access all course tools.
  • You accept responsibility for staying organized and submitting work on time.

Reminder
Begin your first project by reviewing the Projects section. Read prerequisites carefully, set up your environment early, and ask for help through Ed Discussion when needed.