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Artificial Intelligence

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How do I get started with AI?

I created the following article to answer this question:
Preparing for the AI Revolution

Data Science

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Should I choose R or Python for data science?

I created the following article to answer this question:
Choosing R vs. Python for Data Science

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Should I become a data scientist?

I created the following article to answer this question:
Should I Become a Data Scientist?

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How do I get started with data science?

I created the following article to answer this question:
Getting Started with Data Science

General

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Where do you recommend eating in Las Vegas?

If you’re planning to eat on the Las Vegas strip, I recommend the following restaurants:

 

If you’d like to head off-strip to try the great local food, I recommend the following:

 

If you’re just looking for a place to drink on the strip, I recommend the following:

Note: “AYCE” is short-hand for “All You Can Eat”

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What type of computer do you recommend?

For all of my work, I use a Dell XPS 17 9700 with an Intel i9-10885H 2.4 GHz CPU, an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 GPU, 64 GB of DDR4-2933 memory, and a Samsung 981a NVMe 2TB SSD. It’s a great laptop for both general computing tasks as well as software development, data science, AI, and ML.

It’s definitely more powerful than you would need for most basic AI/ML tasks. However, a laptop like this with a powerful multi-core CPU and GPU is quite valuable when you start training deep learning and reinforcement learning models.

If I need something more powerful, then I use a data science virtual machine on Microsoft Azure. I can scale it up or scale it down as necessary. It essentially gives me low-cost access to a GPU supercomputer if/when I need it.

I only have to pay for the actual compute power when it’s running. Then, once my model has been trained, I spin down the virtual machine and it doesn’t cost me anything when I’m not using it. Just be sure you don’t accidentally leave it running — the cost can add up quickly!

This combination of physical and virtual hardware has worked well for every project I’ve worked on so far.

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What is the best way to contact you?

– For questions about online courses, please post in the course’s discussion forum
– To book me for a keynote, onsite training, or consulting, please email me
– For all other questions or comments, please use the contact form

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What do you recommend doing in Las Vegas?

Here are a few things I recommend doing on the strip:

 

Here are a few things I recommend off of the strip:

  • Area 15 – it’s like a mall for hyper-sensory experiences — rather than shopping
  • Atomic Museum – learn the history of the US nuclear weapons testing program
  • Battlefield Vegas – shoot machine guns, sniper rifles, mini-guns, tanks, and more
  • Dig This – learn how to operate real excavators, bulldozers, skid loaders, and more
  • Ethel M Factory – learn how chocolate is made and taste the finished product
  • Lone Mountain – hike to the top and enjoy one of the best views of Vegas
  • Omega Mart – an immersive journey into and surreal world for all ages (in Area 15)
  • Springs Preserve – explore the history of Las Vegas before and after human settlement

 

Here are a few things I recommend outside of Las Vegas:

 

And here are few things that are coming soon:

  • MSG Sphere – attend a concert in this 360-degree multi-sensory venue
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What about Visual Snow questions?

Due to the number of messages I get about Visual Snow each week, unfortunately, I am no longer able to respond to each of them individually. However, I created a Visual Snow FAQ containing all of the most common questions that I get asked and my usual responses.

I know it’s not the same as a one-on-one conversation, but I sincerely hope it helps answer your questions and provides you with the support you need.

© 2023 Matthew Renze