Python 2.6 worth the hassle?

[Evan Kroske]

I'm planning on learning Python, and I'd like to know which version to 
start with. I know that Python 3.0 isn't ready for production and it 
doesn't have enough libraries yet, so I thought I should learn Python 
2.6. Unfortunately, installing Python 2.6 on my Linux distro (Ubuntu 
Intrepid Ibex) has given me lots of complicated problems I really don't 
want to deal with.

My essential question is "Is Python 2.6 similar enough to Python 3.0 to 
justify its complexity of installation?" Upgrading to Jaunty is NOT an 
option 
(http://welcome2obscurity.blogspot.com/2009/05/jaunty-jackalope-released-vista-all.html).

Best regards,
Evan Kroske
Undecided Python Student