DICE](https://code.umd.edu/dspcad-pub/dspcadwiki/-/wikis/DICE-Setup), which is
a software tool on which all other DFW packages depend.
1. Become familiar with Bash if are not already familiar with it. To make the
most of DSPCAD Framework (DFW) tools, familiarity with Bash is helpful. Some
useful resources for learning about basic and advanced usage of Bash can be
found [here](https://tldp.org/guides.html). If you are working with DFW tools
on a Mac platform, you should make sure that you are [using the latest version
of Bash](https://itnext.io/upgrading-bash-on-macos-7138bd1066ba).
1. As your work in the DSPCAD Group progresses, you will probably need to install additional DSPCAD Framework (DFW) packages. Installing additional DFW packages is easy once you have installed DICE. You first need to determine whether the package you are installing is a *base* package or a *plug-in* package. In the former case, you use the [installation instructions for base packages](../Development/DSPCAD Framework Base Packages/DSPCAD Framework Base Packages); in the latter case you use the [installation instructions for plug-in packages](../Development/DSPCAD Framework Plug‐In Packages/DSPCAD Framework Plug‐In Packages).
1. Once you have started using DICE, you should set up a `.dspcadrc` file, and
start using that to start up DICE when you want to use it. You can also start
up other installed DFW packages using your `.dspcadrc` file. Instructions on
creating and using a `.dspcadrc` file can be found
