Actuarial AI Hackathon – Laptop Setup Instructions

This setup is mandatory before attending the hackathon.

Please complete this on Monday or Tuesday at the latest, so you have time to contact us if you run into issues. The full setup takes approximately 45 minutes.

Important: Use a Personal Device

You must use a personal Windows laptop. This setup will not work on most corporate devices due to IT restrictions (security policies often block command-line tools and scripting environments). If you attempt this on a locked-down corporate machine, it is very likely to fail.

Step 1: Watch the Setup Video (5 minutes)

The video below walks through the full setup and shows what a successful install looks like.

Please watch this once before running the setup files.

Step 2: Download the Setup Files

Download the ZIP file by clicking here

After downloading:

• Right-click the ZIP file
• Select Extract All
• Open the extracted folder
• You will see two .bat files.

Step 3: Sign Up for Claude Pro

To use Claude Code during the hackathon, you must have Claude Pro:

• Go to the Claude website by clicking here
• Enter your email address
• Click the link in the email they send you
• Follow the introductory steps
• Click “Upgrade Plan”
• Select the Pro Version, on a monthly billing

Cost: €18 for one month The free version does not support Claude Code, which we will use during the session.

Step 4: Run Setup Script 1

Follow along with the video, and start by double clicking: 1_install_tools.bat

This script will:

• Install VS Code
• Install Python
• Install Claude Code

During installation:

• You may see security prompts. If you do click “Allow” or enter “Yes” at the command prompt
• Do not close the command window while it is running
• This step may take several minutes.

Step 5: Run Setup Script 2

Once Script 1 finishes double-click 2_Setup_Environment.bat

This script will:

• Configure environment variables
• Install required Python packages using pip
• Finalise your working environment

Again, do not close the window until it completes.

Step 6: Confirm Everything Works (Very Important)

If setup is successful, you should be able to:

• Open VS Code
• Open Claude Code
• Ask Claude Code to generate a hello world Python script
• Run this script in VS Code and see “Hello World” printed in the console.

The video takes you through all of this. If you can generate and run a simple Python script successfully then you are ready.

Total Setup Time:

• Video: 5 minutes
• Installation: ~30 minutes
• Testing: 5 minutes

Plan for 45 minutes in total.

Common Issues

1. Corporate Device Restrictions: If you’re on a work laptop and something is blocked you will need switch to a personal device.
2. Windows Security Warning: If Windows SmartScreen appears click “More Info” and then click “Run Anyway”
3. Python Not Recognised: If you see an error saying Python is not recognised restart your laptop.
4. Claude Pro Not Activated: If Claude Code does not work, or if you don’t see the button that is on the video, confirm you are on the Pro plan. Log out and log back in.

Please complete setup no later than Tuesday evening. Do not leave this until Wednesday night or Thursday morning. If there is an issue, we need time to help you before Thursday.

Need Help?

If you encounter any issues during setup, email: hackathon@resolvefinancialsoftware.com

Please include:

• A screenshot of the error
• A brief description of what happened
• Confirmation that you are using a personal Windows device

We will respond as quickly as possible.

Final Checklist

Before Thursday, confirm:
✅ You are using a personal Windows laptop
✅ Claude Pro is active
✅ Both setup scripts have run successfully
✅ You can generate and run a Hello World Python script

If all four are complete then you’re ready.