Python Download and Installation Instructions

You may want to print these instructions before proceeding, so that you can refer to them while downloading and installing Python. Or, just keep this document in your browser. You should read each step completely before performing the action that it describes. This document shows downloading and installing Python on Windows 7.

Python: Version 3.2.3

The Python download requires about 18 MB of disk space; keep it on your machine, in case you need to re-install Python. When installed, Python requires about an additional 50 MB of disk space.

Downloading

1. Click Python Download.

   The following page will appear in your browser.

   

   Read past Alternative Implementations, to Download Python to find the implementation that you want to install: in this handout we will download Python 3.2.3 Windows x86 MSI Installer.

2. Click the bulleted item Python 3.2.3 Windows x86 MSI Installer (Windows binary -- does not include source).

   The file named python-3.2.3.msi should start downloading in your standard download folder. This file is about 18 Mb so it might take a while to download fully if you are on a slow internet connection (it took me about 30 seconds over a cable modem).

   The file should appear as

   

3. Move this file to a more permanent location, so that you can install Python (and reinstall it later, if necessary).

4. Start the Installing instructions directly below.

Installing

1. Double-click the icon labeling the file python-3.2.3.msi.

   An Open File - Security Warning pop-up window will appear.

   

2. Click Run.

   A Python 3.2.3 Setup pop-up window will appear.

   

   Ensure that the Install for all users radio button is pressed.

3. Click Next > button.

   A new Python 3.2.3 Setup pop-up window will appear.

   

   The default directory will appear in the bottom as C:\Python32\ and unless you have a good reason to use another directory, use this one.

4. Click the Next > button.

   A new Python 3.2.3 Setup pop-up window will appear.

   

   Use the default customization, which selects the Python Interpreter and all its libraries (about 29 Mb).

5. Click the Next > button.

   A new Python 3.2.3 Setup pop-up window will appear.

   

   In a few seconds a pop-up window titled User Account Control will appear, posing the question Do you want the following program to install software on this computer?

6. Click the Yes button.

   The previous pop-window will reappear, displaying the message
      Install Python 3.2.3

      Please wait while the Installer installs Python 3.2.3. This may take
      several minutes.

   During installation, it will show the various operations it is performing and a progress bar for each one.

   Eventually a new Python 3.2.3 Setup pop-up window will appear.

   

7. Click the Finish button.

Python should now be installed. To try to verify installation, navigate to the directory C:\Python32 (or to whatever directory on which you installed Python) double-click the icon/file python3.2.exe. The following pop-up window will appear.

A pop-up window with the title C:\Python32\python.exe appears, and inside the window on the first line is the text Python 3.2.3 .... Inside the window, at the bottom left, is the prompt >>>: type exit() to this prompt and press enter to terminate Python.

You should keep the file python-3.2.3.msi somewhere on your computer in case you need to reinstall Python (not likely necessary).

You may now follow the instructions to download and install Java, and then the instruction to download and install the Eclipse IDE (for Python).