I ended up installing Python 2.7, gedit, and then I had to edit a path field to load Python from the terminal. I've just started Learn Python the Hard Way by Allen B. Downey and I really like the tone he uses, actually. He mentions this, though: "A programmer will eventually tell you to use Mac OSX or Linux. If the programmer likes fonts and typography, they'll tell you to get a Mac OSX computer. If they like control and have a huge beard, they'll tell you to install Linux. Again, use whatever computer you have right now that works. All you need is gedit, a Terminal, and python." I hope when I do transition over to the Linux version, it's not a steep learning curve. I already use Debian, but I've decided to work on Windows...I hope it doesn't hold me back from any valuable learning experience.

Thanks, again!