Installing Python

Running a shell

You can try running the python interpreter directly. To do this, you first must run a command shell.

On Windows, position the mouse cursor somewhere on your desktop, then:
hold down SHIFT, right-click the mouse, and choose "Open command window here".
If you find the text too small, increase the font size:
- right-click on the title bar
- choose "Properties"
- choose the "Font" tab
- I like Lucida Console, size 20 (try it)
On OS X, open the Launch pad, and choose "Terminal". It may be in a sub-folder called "Other".
If you find the text too small, increase the font size:
- click on the "Terminal" menu
- choose "Preferences..."
- choose the "Profiles" tab
- choose the "Text" tab, if it's not highlighted
- next to the current font, click the "Change..." button
- I like this font: Collection:Fixed Width, Family:Menlo, Size:24. Try it.

Running the interpreter

To run the interpreter, simply type "python" into the command shell, and press Enter.

To exit the interpreter,

On Windows, press Control-Z, then Enter
On OS X, press Control-D