Python Installing Python on Windows 7: Pip, Anaconda, 32-bit or 64-bit?

AI Thread Summary
When installing Python on a Windows 7 64-bit system, users often debate between downloading from python.org and using Anaconda. While both methods are functional, Anaconda may offer additional features that enhance efficiency, depending on the user's needs. For a 64-bit system, the recommendation is to install the 64-bit version of Python to utilize the machine's full computational resources. However, there are concerns regarding compatibility with Python 2.x, as some users have experienced issues with file paths in the 64-bit version. Many suggest sticking with the 32-bit version for Python 2.7 due to these potential problems. Additionally, users report challenges in getting scientific software packages to work smoothly on Windows, leading some to consider dual-booting with a Linux distribution for better compatibility.
websterling
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I get to install Python on a Windows 7 box and have a few questions.

In the past I always downloaded Python from python.org and added any additional packages either with pip or downloading and installing from the package's site. Is this the best way or would Anaconda (or something else) be a better option?

And, since it's a 64-bit box, should I go with a 64-bit Python or a 32-bit version?

Any opinions welcomed.
 
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websterling said:
In the past I always downloaded Python from python.org and added any additional packages either with pip or downloading and installing from the package's site. Is this the best way or would Anaconda (or something else) be a better option?
Well, whatever works for you - there are no significant functional differences. Certain distributions come with additional features that may increase your efficiency or make things more convenient, but that depends on the kind of stuff you intend to do with Python.

websterling said:
And, since it's a 64-bit box, should I go with a 64-bit Python or a 32-bit version?
Certainly the 64-bit version, you want to make the full use of the computational resources you have!
 
Fightfish said:
Certainly the 64-bit version, you want to make the full use of the computational resources you have!
That might be a good idea for Python 3 (I have no experience with that) but for Python 2.x the 64-bit version still has serious issues. I have e.g. run into completely broken file paths.
 
Thanks for the replies. I saw it mentioned several times to stick with the 32-bit version but no reason was given. I would think that since 64-bit machines and Python 2.7 have been around for quite some time that there shouldn't be any problems.
 
I would consider to dualbooth some linux distro if it is not too inconvienient, or otherwise impossible.

Most people I've heard of that has tried both tell me that it is a big hassle getting most of the scientific software packages working on Windows.
 
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