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.

Download Miniconda here, or use the links below. Miniconda download page

Windows install Miniconda

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 install Miniconda

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”

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

If the chip section includes the word Intel, use this link.

If you have an M2 processor, follow the instructions at the bottom of this page.

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.

MacOS M2

For M2 laptops, you will need to install miniconda using the command line.

Scroll down to the bottom of the miniconda download page. Under Quick command line install, click on macOS.

In your Terminal app, copy and paste the first block. After that code completes, copy and paste the second block.