Prep · 20 minutes
Set up Claude Code before we meet.
Claude Code is where AI starts becoming truly useful in your business. It works inside a folder on your computer, so it can read files, create new ones, and help you build real things instead of just giving suggestions. Setup takes about 20 minutes. Do it before the workshop so we can spend our time building, not troubleshooting.
Four steps. No coding required.
01 · Before you install
Check these first.
Most setup problems trace back to one of these four. Tick each one as you confirm it. Your progress saves on this device.
Compare plans at claude.com/pricing. Sign in at claude.ai to confirm your login works before the day.
02 · Your laptop
Pick your system.
The steps below change to match. Not sure which you have? If there is an Apple logo in the top-left corner of the screen, it is a Mac.
Pick one to see your steps.
On a Chromebook, an iPad, or Linux? Email us at info@mainstreet-operator.com before the workshop and we will sort out a plan.
03 · Install on Mac
Four steps. In order.
04 · Privacy and control
What it can see. What it cannot.
You are letting software work on your computer. You should know the boundaries before you say yes to anything.
It works in the folder you start it in.
Claude Code reads and edits files in the folder where you ran the claude command, and anything you point it at. It does not quietly roam your whole computer. In the workshop we will start it inside a folder made for the day.
It asks before it changes anything.
Creating a file, editing one, or running a command all trigger a permission prompt. You press yes or no each time. Reading files does not prompt, so pick your folder deliberately.
What you type and what it reads goes to Anthropic.
Claude Code is not a local program. Your messages, and the contents of files it opens, are sent to Anthropic to generate the response. Treat it the way you would treat pasting into claude.ai.
Your plan decides how your data is used.
On Pro and Max, you can turn model training on or off in your claude.ai privacy settings. Team and Enterprise plans are not used for training by default. Check your setting before the workshop.
Keep client and financial files out for now.
For the workshop, do not point it at payroll, client records, or anything under an NDA. We will work on your own process documents and drafts. Decide about sensitive data later, with your eyes open.
Anthropic's own explanation is at code.claude.com/docs/en/data-usage. If your business handles client data under a contract or regulation, read it before the workshop.
05 · You are ready
If Claude answered you, you are done.
Close the terminal. Bring the laptop and its charger. If you hit an error this page did not cover, Anthropic's troubleshooting guide matches each error message to its fix.
