Re: Can I trust downloading Python?

From	Ben Finney <ben+python@benfinney.id.au>
Subject	Re: Can I trust downloading Python?
Date	2013-09-08 13:01 +1000
References	<CAOO2PexT3XagV4u7ScDiZgifZjzapt9cem9W+3Bag1CBrsnMpA@mail.gmail.com>
Newsgroups	comp.lang.python
Message-ID	<mailman.149.1378609331.5461.python-list@python.org> (permalink)

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Aaron Martin <aaronspencermartin@gmail.com> writes:

> Hi, I am thinking about getting a software but it requires python, so
> that brought up a few questions. Is it safe do download python, and
> does it come with spam or advertisements?

Python is free software, meaning that every recipient is free to improve
it and redistribute the result.

    <URL:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_software>

Free software rarely has the problems you describe – spam and
advertisements – and never has them for long, because those problems are
quickly improved (by eradicating the annoying problem), and the improved
version becomes what people share.

> If it doesn't then should I get the latest version?

The latest stable version is Python 3.3, and this version is strongly
recommended for people who will be developing with Python.

But you say that you are getting Python because you have some other
program that requires Python. Which version of Python does it require?
Download and install the latest version that is supported for the
program you are wanting to use.

> I mostly want to know if it is safe to download, because most of the
> time downloading free stuff off the internet comes with spam and all
> that, so I want to know if I can trust downloading it.

Ah, your experience is with zero-cost non-free software. Non-free
software is prone to have spam and advertisements, and many other
problems that arise from disrespect for the recipient's freedom. So your
caution is well advised.

Know that free software respects your freedom, and Python is free
software.

    <URL:https://www.fsf.org/about/what-is-free-software>

Welcome, and good fortune to you in using Python!

-- 
 \     “I was trying to daydream, but my mind kept wandering.” —Steven |
  `\                                                            Wright |
_o__)                                                                  |
Ben Finney

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Re: Can I trust downloading Python? Ben Finney <ben+python@benfinney.id.au> - 2013-09-08 13:01 +1000
  Re: Can I trust downloading Python? llanitedave <llanitedave@veawb.coop> - 2013-09-08 19:24 -0700

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