Template:Chicago Python Workshop/Setup/Windows interactive Python

 Open a command prompt:

To start Python, type python at the command prompt and hit enter. You should see something like
 * On Windows Vista or Windows 7: click on the Start menu (the Windows logo in the lower left of the screen), type  into the Search field directly above the Start menu button, and click on "cmd" in the search results above the Search field.
 * On Windows XP: click on the Start menu (the Windows logo in the lower left of the screen), click on "Run...", type  into the text box, and hit enter.

Python 2.7.1 (r271:86832, ...) on win32 Type "help", "copyright", "credits" or "license" for more information. >>>

The  indicates that you are at a Python prompt. 

Exit the Python prompt by typing exit and hitting enter. Now you're back at the Windows command prompt . 

Success!
Practice these steps until you feel comfortable navigating to a command prompt, starting Python, and exiting Python.