Getting Started with CNTK

Deep learning is a machine learning technique that is getting a lot of attention from the public and researchers. In this chapter, we will explore what deep learning is and how large companies are using it to solve complex problems. We'll look at what makes this technique so exciting and what concepts drive deep learning.

We will then talk about Microsoft Cognitive Toolkit (CNTK), what it is, and how it fits into the bigger picture of deep learning. We'll also discuss what makes CNTK unique compared to other frameworks.

In this chapter, we'll also show you how to get CNTK installed on your computer. We will explore installation on both Windows and Linux. If you have a compatible graphics card, you'll also want to check out the instructions on how to configure your graphics card for use with CNTK, as it will significantly speed up the calculations that are needed to train deep learning models.

In this chapter we will cover the following topics:

• The relationship between AI, machine learning, and deep learning
• How does deep learning work?
• What is CNTK?
• Installing CNTK