Getting set up - installing Python, a JDK, and Spark and its dependencies

Let's get you started. There is a lot of software we need to set up. Running Spark on Windows involves a lot of moving pieces, so make sure you follow along carefully, or else you'll have some trouble. I'll try to walk you through it as easily as I can. Now, this chapter is written for Windows users. This doesn't mean that you're out of luck if you're on Mac or Linux though. If you open up the download package for the book or go to this URL, http://media.sundog-soft.com/spark-python-install.pdf, you will find written instructions on getting everything set up on Windows, macOS, and Linux. So, again, you can read through the chapter here for Windows users, and I will call out things that are specific to Windows, so you'll find it useful in other platforms as well; however, either refer to that spark-python-install.pdf file or just follow the instructions here on Windows and let's dive in and get it done.