Python & Linux ?

[Peter Moscatt]

I have just migrated from Win98 over to Linux.  My programming platform 
under Win98 was VB.
Now in Linux, I have decided to program using the Python platform.
I have bought myself a get started book and from what I can gather - 
Python is a Interpreter and not a Compiler, therefore only being able to 
develop scripts instead of installable programs.

Have I got it all wrong here ??

Pete