How do I find the files for Virtual Machine exercises?

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Virtual machine exercises come with a complete environment, usually Windows-based, so you have access to all the tools needed to complete the exercise without installations or setup preparation steps. The most common tools found in these environments are Power BI, Alteryx, and Azure.

These exercises often require you to upload a file containing the data you need to create reports or practice the topics covered in the lessons. While the exercise instructions usually explain how to find these files, below you'll find a set of standard steps you can follow to load the data source or file yourself if needed.

 

Loading a file in Power BI

  1. Click the File button in the top left corner.

  2. Select the Open option.
  3. From there, you can either:
    • Check the Recent Files list, or
    • Select Browse this device to navigate manually.
  4. Browse through your documents until you find the Exercises or Datasets folder.
  5. Select the file you need for the specific exercise.
  6. Click Open or Load depending on what the exercise requires.

Loading a workflow in Alteryx

  1. Click the File button in the top left corner.
  2. Hover over the Open Workflow option.
  3. Select Browse.
  4. Navigate to the Exercises folder and select the specific workflow you need to work on.
  5. Click Open.
  6. Wait for the workflow to fully load in Alteryx, then continue with the exercise instructions.

 

💡  Context and Instructions box 

As a standard guideline for DataCamp courses, our exercises include:

  • A context section that explains the background of the exercise and what is expected of you.
  • A set of instructions accompanied by hints to help guide you through each step.

Depending on the exercise, in Virtual Machine ones you can find these resources in one of two places:

  • As a floating box overlaid on the exercise environment, or
  • In the left side panel, following the same layout as traditional DataCamp practice exercises.

We encourage you to make use of these resources whenever the exercise feels challenging or you feel like you may have missed a step — they are there to help you get back on track.