Windows
For Windows, Python is available as an installer or zipped source files. We recommend the executable installer because it offers a hassle-free installation. First, choose the right architecture. Then, simply follow the instructions. Usually, you will go with the default installation, which comes with the Python package manager pip and Tkinter standard GUI (Graphical User Interface) and adds Python to the PATH (important!). In just a few clicks, it's done!
64-bit or 32-bit?
In most cases, you will go for the 64-bit (x86-64) version because it usually gives better performance. Most computers today are built with the 64-bit architecture, which allows more efficient use of system memory (RAM). Going on 64-bit means the processor reads data in larger chunks each time. It also allows more than 3 GB of data to be addressed. In scientific computing, we typically benefit from added RAM to achieve higher speed. Although using a 64-bit version doubles the memory footprint before exceeding the memory limit, it is often required for large data, such as in scientific computing. Of course, if you have a 32-bit computer, 32-bit is your only choice.