Setting up a deep learning environment

Before we get started with training deep learning models, we need to set up our deep learning environment. While it is possible to run deep learning models on CPUs, the speed achieved with GPUs is significantly higher and necessary when running deeper and more complex models.

How to do it...

1. First, you need to check whether you have access to a CUDA-enabled NVIDIA GPU on your local machine. You can check the overview at https://developer.nvidia.com/cuda-gpus.
2. If your GPU is listed on that page, you can continue installing CUDA and cuDNN if you haven't done that already. Follow the steps in the Installing CUDA and cuDNN section.

3. If you don't have access to an NVIDIA GPU on your local machine, you can decide to use a cloud solution. Follow the steps in the Launching a cloud solution section.