[Python-bugs-list] [ python-Bugs-468443 ] Python download/install process

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Bugs item #468443, was opened at 2001-10-05 16:43
You can respond by visiting: 
http://sourceforge.net/tracker/?func=detail&atid=105470&aid=468443&group_id=5470

Category: Installation
Group: Feature Request
Status: Open
Resolution: None
Priority: 5
Submitted By: Talin (talin)
Assigned to: Nobody/Anonymous (nobody)
Summary: Python download/install process

Initial Comment:
I just guided a friend through the process of 
downloading and installing Python 2.1.1. Here is the 
transcript of our conversation. See comments below.
----
Deanna: Talin, I want to d/l Python but I don't see 
where the download is.  can you help me?

Talin: What does the web page title say?

Deanna: Python 2.1.1 - a bugfix release for Python 2.1

Talin: OK, scroll down to where it says "download 
locations" and click on the link that says HTTP

Deanna: got it

Talin: Click on the file ending with .exe and download 
it

Talin: Then run that file

Deanna: k

Talin: That's an installer.

Deanna: and the others?

Talin: Just that one

Deanna: thanks
----
Normally I wouldn't bother to mention this - people 
who use programming languages should know how to 
download and install things. However, since Python is 
supposed to be intended for novice computer users, I 
think it would make sense to improve the download 
process and make it more self-explanatory.

In the above transcript, some things are apparent:

1) The download page is kind of terse - the "Download 
Locations" simply says "Python.org HTTP". Not everyone 
knows that "HTTP" is a way of downloading files, most 
people think it's just a way of viewing web pages. 
(Most people don't realize that web pages are files.)

2) The link leads you to a raw listing of files, with 
no explanation of which files to download.

3) Since my friend is a windows user, she doesn't know 
that ".tar.gz" files are typically only used on Unix 
systems. A similar logic can be made about the other 
files in that directory.


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http://sourceforge.net/tracker/?func=detail&atid=105470&aid=468443&group_id=5470