type sudo apt-get install libbz -dev and press enter linux installs the bzip support required by python for archive manipulation (see details type cd python in the terminal window and press enter terminal changes directories to the python folder on your system type /configure and press enter the script begins by checking the system build type and then performs series of tasks based on the system you're using this process can require minute or two because there is large list of items to check type make and press enter linux executes the make script to create the python application software the make process can require up to minute -it depends on the processing speed of your system type sudo make altinstall and press enter the system may ask you for your administrator password type your password and press enter at this pointa number of tasks take place as the system installs python on your system using the graphical linux installation all versions of linux support the standard installation discussed in the "using the standard linux installationsection of this howevera few versions of debian-based linux distributionssuch as ubuntu and laterprovide graphical installation technique as well you need the administrator group (sudopassword to use this procedureso having it handy will save you time the following steps outline the graphical installation technique for ubuntubut the technique is similar for other linux installations open the ubuntu software center folder (the folder may be named synaptics on other platforms you see listing of the most popular software available for download and installation select developer tools (or developmentfrom the all software dropdown list box you see listing of developer toolsincluding python double-click the python entry the ubuntu software center provides details about the python entry and offers to install it for you