To get the most out of this book, you should at least have a basic understanding of computing. Ideally, you would also have some previous computer programming knowledge, although this is not completely essential. You will need to have access to a reasonably modern computer, with a reasonably modern operating system. For Windows users, Microsoft Windows XP or newer should do fine. I'd recommend at least 2 gigabytes of RAM, but preferably more. Mac OSX and Linux users should also be OK, as long they have a similar or superior amount of RAM.