Installing Python using Miniconda

We will be installing Python 3.10 for this class. Miniconda is a Python package manager. It helps us install python and the various packages (folders full of code) we will use in the course. It also comes with a terminal we can use to run python.

Follow the sections below for either Windows or MacOS.

Windows

For Windows, use this link to download Miniconda.

Open the .exe file and you will see first setup screen:

Click Next, and I Agree on the next page.

On the third setup screen, you will see this page:

Select Just me, then Next.

On the next few pages, you can accept the default settings, then click Install.

You won’t need to read the tutorials on the miniconda website today.

MacOS

In Fall 2021, Apple started building laptops with M1 processors instead of Intel processors.

You can determine which kind of processor you have by clicking the Apple icon at the top left of your screen, then About This Mac.

Follow the appropriate section below.

Intel

If the chip section includes the word Intel, use this link. Then install the program as shown in the M1 section.

M1

If the chip section says Apple M1 in it, you have an M1 processor. For M1, use this link to download Miniconda.

Open the pkg and you will see the first screen:

Click the Continue button several times and you will eventually get to the last screen:

Click, the Install button and when it is finished you will see the final window, which you can close.

M2

For M2 laptops, you will need to install miniconda using the command line. Use this page and scroll down to the bottom where it says Quick command line install.

Click on macOS. Then, open the Terminal app, copy and paste the four lines in the 1st gray box, all at once. Then copy and paste the two lines int he 2nd gray box, all at once. When you are done, you can exit the terminal by typing exit.