For research related Python programs, I require Python 2.6 (or 2.7), numpy, scipy and matplotlib. Occasionally, I'm going to use other modules such as [mayavi2](http://mayavi.sourceforge.net/) or [numexpr](http://code.google.com/p/numexpr/).

The programs in questions will be exchanged between (Ubuntu) Linux and Windows and can be modified to work across platforms. The setup on the Windows side should resemble the Linux one as closely as possible. Integration with COM, .NET, or the Windows OS is not required.

I'm aware of the following options:

* [Python for Windows](http://python.org/download/) from python.org
* [ActivePython](http://www.activestate.com/activepython)
* [Python(x,y)](http://code.google.com/p/pythonxy/), a bundle of Python with modules and GUIs
* [Enthought Python distribution](http://www.enthought.com/products/epd.php), a bundle of Python with modules

Which of those will provide me most efficiently with a setup that just works? And how would they differ?