How to Install Python

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology –
Computer Science & Software Engineering

Overview

Follow these directions to download Python and configure it on Windows.

Installing Python 2.6

The 2009-2010 freshmen laptops came with Python 2.6. If you need to install it,
  1. Logon as an adminstrator (e.g., localmgr).
  2. Download a local copy of the Python 2.6.2 Windows installer. (Using the local copy avoids using up your internet bandwidth quota. But if you are installing from off-campus, you can visit http://www.python.org/download/ and select the Python 2.6.2 Windows installer.)
  3. Run the installer, installing it in C:\Program Files\Python26\ (vs. the default, which is C:\Python26 ). The other defaults are fine to use.
  4. Change the directory that the Python development environment, IDLE, starts in when loading and saving files. (By default it looks for and saves files in the program directory.)
    1. Log into your user account.
    2. Click on Start → All Programs → Python 2.6
    3. Right-click on IDLE (Python GUI) and choose Properties
    4. Change the Start in: field to point to the place where you want to keep Python program files. A good choice might be C:\Documents and Settings\username\My Documents\PythonFiles. (An easy way to get that path name:  Open My Documents and browse to the folder. Select the pathname in the Address bar; Copy. Go back to the Idle Properties Window, and Paste into the Start In field.) Whatever folder you decide to use, you will need to use Windows Explorer to create it if it does not exist.

Installing the Zelle Graphics Library

Any students enrolled in CSSE120 will be using the Zelle Graphics library extensively. Follow these directions to install it.

Installing Pycreate and the Bluetooth Transmitter

Any students enrolled in CSSE120R (Robotics section only) will be using the pycreate library as well, as well as Bluetooth to transmit commands to the robots. Follow these directions to install them.