Advice from programmers to assist in learning.

[ArcticWolf]

Originally Posted by Rising-Phoenix

I have another issue, when I try to download python I get an error message saying:
I am hoping one of you know what is wrong?

Seems that you're downloading the wrong version. Which os are you running? Linux?

Can you please give us some feedback about the following?

uname -m
distro
CPU arch.

Or paste the following in the prompt

echo -n "Family: " && (ls /etc/ | grep version || echo "no data.") || echo -n "Version: " && (cat /etc/`ls /etc/ | grep version` || echo "no data") || echo -n "Distro: " && (cat /etc/issue | grep -m1 "" | cut -d\\ -f1 || echo "no data") || echo -n "Uname: " && (uname -a || echo "no data.")

[magnet]

Originally Posted by Rising-Phoenix

I am hoping one of you know what is wrong?

You are giving no information at all, but I'm afraid you are trying to get Python on Windows.

Download and install the latest stable Ubuntu release. Python ships with it.

These days when it comes to programming, you can't really expect to be at least partially self-taught and not learn about GNU/Linux (by using it as your exclusive environment). That implies ditching Windows aside (however it doesn't deserve any other treatment).

If you want to be a good programmer, say goodbye to Windows first.

[ArcticWolf]

Originally Posted by magnet

That implies ditching Windows aside (however it doesn't deserve any other treatment).

Yes. Once I put my Windows 95 original cd in the microwave oven. That made me happy for at least two or three weeks.

Try it, it won't break your microwave oven (if that worries you, it's safe... And funny).

As magnet said, try linux, solaris or *bsd. I recommend you to start with debian, but you can always switch to debian/kfreebsd, freebsd or nexenta if you like.

A quick start: http://goodbye-windows.com

[magnet]

Originally Posted by Xephandor

As magnet said, try linux, solaris or *bsd. I recommend you to start with debian, but you can always switch to debian/kfreebsd, freebsd or nexenta if you like.

A quick start: http://goodbye-windows.com

I think it's easier to start with Ubuntu and it's a more logical choice. As a matter of fact I really hardly see the point of running Debian on the desktop now. I used it since potato but these days Ubuntu works on more installs out of the box, but most of all it benefits from way, way more support online through community forums and whatnots (if you can bear with their attitude, but Debian isn't much better there, only different; Ubuntu helpers are kiddies and Debian helpers are elitists, kiddies get on my nerves quick but at least they accept to help beginners).

Anyway Ubuntu is Debian with momentum, so why not just use Ubuntu...

As for OpenSolaris-based or *BSD distributions I want the same stuff you smoke Xeph, if you're advising those to a beginner. People from the Windows world need point and click.

[Comp]

Rishing-Pheonix......

A slight suggestion is to learn development on Linux.

[ArcticWolf]

Originally Posted by magnet

I think it's easier to start with Ubuntu and it's a more logical choice. As a matter of fact I really hardly see the point of running Debian on the desktop now. I used it since potato but these days Ubuntu works on more installs out of the box, but most of all it benefits from way, way more support online through community forums and whatnots (if you can bear with their attitude, but Debian isn't much better there, only different; Ubuntu helpers are kiddies and Debian helpers are elitists, kiddies get on my nerves quick but at least they accept to help beginners).

Anyway Ubuntu is Debian with momentum, so why not just use Ubuntu...

Ubuntu didn't work out of the box most of the times I installed it, but I guess it's because of my crappy hardware (even though it's non-generic). Debian is simple and just works when you need it. It's solid-rock and safe, and you don't have all those annoying automagical helpers or such... Ubuntu has a bad package policy (it just repackages all the Syd repos and customizes some of the soft, without propper testing). Debian Lenny may be the Testing distro (until the end of the year, yay!), but's more useful than Ubuntu IMHO.

Debian is not as hard as it used to be. My lil bro can use it without a problem and he's 14... And he doesn't study anything related with computers.

Regarding to the ubuntu help in the forums... Just look anywhere else. There are experts, yeah, but most of the time you won't get a propper answer. First hand experience.

Yeah, he can start with Ubuntu, but I don't see the point when he can start with Debian, which is easy to use now.

Originally Posted by magnet

As for OpenSolaris-based or *BSD distributions I want the same stuff you smoke Xeph, if you're advising those to a beginner. People from the Windows world need point and click.

The last OpenSolaris (2008.05) is just awesome and simple. FreeBSD isn't that complex, and the latest is mostly point-and-click too.

Though, I've noticed that lately, using Windows XP is unbelievable hard for me. A lot of annoying postit-like warnings in the lower right corner.

I wonder if Rishing-Pheonix likes more Gnome, KDE or Xfce. That would be a good advice if he's downloading Ubuntu, too. The Desktop is the first impression the user has.


PS: I use Gnome, fluxbox and Xfce. Can't stand KDE.

[Rising-Phoenix]

Ok thanks for everyone that has helped so far. It is clear I need a linux type Operating System so I will ask some of my friends and some of my friends of friends about that. I will come back to this when I have that complete. Again thank you all for helping me out.