An all-wise journalist once told me that “everything is easier in Linux,” and after working with it for a few years I’d have to agree — especially when it comes to software setup for data journalism. But …

Many newsroom types spend the day in Windows without the option of Ubuntu or another Linux OS. I’ve been planning some training around Python soon, so I compiled this quick setup guide as a reference. I hope you find it helpful.

Set up Python


Get started:


1. Visit the official Python download page and grab the Windows installer. Choose the 32-bit version. A 64-bit version is available, but there are compatibility issues with some modules you may want to install later. (Thanks to commenters for pointing this out.)


Note: Python currently exists in two versions, the older 2.x series and newer 3.x series (for a discussion of the differences, see this). This tutorial focuses on the 2.x series.


2. Run the installer and accept all the default settings, including the “C:\Python27″ directory it creates.


3. Next, set the system’s PATH variable to include directories that include Python components and packages we’ll add later. To do this:

•        Right-click Computer and select Properties.


•        In the dialog box, select Advanced  System Settings.


•        In the next dialog, select Environment Variables.


•        In the User Variables section, edit the PATH statement to include this:

CODE:

C:\Python27;C:\Python27\Lib\site-packages\;C:\Python27\Scripts\;