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@@ -17,6 +17,14 @@ Below, you will find the basic commands and steps to:
 For commands, use PowerShell on Windows or the terminal on macOS and linux.
 The directions come from the book [Pro Git](https://git-scm.com/book/en/v), 2nd edition (2014) and the [Gitlab documentation](https://docs.gitlab.com/). 
 
+## Prerequisites
+
+- Git installation
+    - **Windows:** download Git from the [official website](https://git-scm.com/downloads).
+    - **Linux and macOS** [install and/or update using your software manager.](https://docs.gitlab.com/topics/git/how_to_install_git/?tab=Ubuntu+Linux#install-and-update-git)
+- **Github desktop app:** download and install from [Github.](https://github.com/apps/desktop)
+- **Univie Gitlab access:** [Contact the Phaidra administrators](mailto:support.phaidra@univie.ac.at) with a message saying you'd like access to Gitlab. More information can be found on the [ZID's Gitlab information site](https://zid.univie.ac.at/en/gitlab/).
+
 ## 1.: Initial configuration of your local git installation
 
 You will need to set your user name and email address. Every future commit you make is then linked to that identity. Open a terminal or PowerShell and run