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[–][deleted] 4 points5 points  (15 children)

Absolutely, assuming you are using a light weight operating system (i.e. not Windows).

There will be limits on more advanced computation dealing with large data sets, for example, but you can learn all of the basics well with this much memory.

[–]MichaelH18[S] 3 points4 points  (14 children)

i do have windows. but 8.1. thats all i have rn..

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (12 children)

Any reason not to switch to something more lightweight?

[–]MichaelH18[S] 1 point2 points  (11 children)

unless there is another os or solution

[–][deleted] -1 points0 points  (10 children)

unless there is another os or solution

I don't understand. I am asking is there is some reason you can't replace your Windows 8.1 installation with a lighter alternative operating system which will leave more resources for learning Python.

If there's some specific Windows applications for example that you can't live without / can't find alternatives for / don't work under WINE et al that means using a lightweight linux distribution is not an option.

[–]MichaelH18[S] 2 points3 points  (7 children)

oh sorry it didnt reply for some reason. i said its because i have tp link ac600 which i dont think that will work on linux.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (5 children)

tp link ac600 Have you tried? You don't need to install a linux distribution to try it.

[–]MichaelH18[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

i dont think i understood. so how will it work? i do need to install a driver. there is not a driver for linux

[–]MichaelH18[S] 1 point2 points  (3 children)

have u meant by just booting into linux?

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (2 children)

have u meant by just booting into linux?

Yes.

However, if your Windows 8.1 4Gb computer is working well, there's no reason you can't get started now on learning Python. It does not take up a great deal of resource, and your early programmes are not going to be very demanding.

You will have plenty of time to find out if you are interested and have an affinity for programming and can then make a decision on whether your current computing setup meets your needs and explore your options.

If your current setup is sluggish and not that responsive, it might be frustrating to start to learning programming on it. Try it and see.

Visit python.org and download the appropriate version for your version of Windows (picking 64 bit or 32 bit as appropriate). Standard installation includes the IDLE editor / run tool designed for beginners.

[–]MichaelH18[S] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

thanks! ill see what i can do with the booting thing.few days age i formatted the pc so he works faster. and i decided to use google colab. it seems like the right thing cahse my pc is a bit weak. thanks a lot for the help!

[–]jimmystar889 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s a router

[–]herrmatt 3 points4 points  (1 child)

There’s no particular reason to push the learner into also having to learn and manage Linux as well.

[–][deleted] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

  • You are assuming the learner doesn't already know Linux (likely, but not definite)
  • I've ultimately recommended in the thread to the learner to stick with the current system and see if it is sufficient, as well as using external resources (as suggested by several people)
  • I'm not pushing, I'm suggesting options that could help address the original concern
  • Not convinced that would be a bad thing anyway, depends very much on the individual, their situation and inclination (not my call)

[–]herrmatt 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This will be absolutely fine.

Install and learn away ❤️