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 2.5

The 2007-2008 freshmen laptops came with Python 2.5. If you need to install it,
  1. Logon as an adminstrator (e.g., localmgr).
  2. Download a local copy of the Python 2.5.2 Windows installer. (Using the local copy avoids using your bandwidth quota. But you can also visit http://www.python.org/download/ and select the Python 2.5.2 Windows installer for off-campus installation.)
  3. Run the installer, installing it in C:\Program Files\Python25\ (vs. the default, which is the C:\ drive).
  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 2.5
    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. 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.