A Python installation help doc much more friendly to newcomers? [Was Re: help]

[boB Stepp]

On Fri, Jul 17, 2020 at 9:48 PM dn via Python-list
<python-list at python.org> wrote:
>
> On 18/07/20 1:53 PM, Castillo, Herbert S wrote:
> > I downloaded python not to long ago, and today when I opened Python on Windows it gave me a modify setup prompt. I have tried to click on modify , repair and even uninstalled and installed it back, but when I try to open Python up again, I keep on getting the same modify setup prompt. I am not sure of what to do? Thank you in advance.
>
>
> Regret that this mailing list does not support graphics attachments.
>
> Which part of https://docs.python.org/dev/using/windows.html failed?

Just for grins I just now glanced at the link dn provided.  Yes, this
is a very thorough, very accurate, very *technical* help resource.
But if I were a person who had never seen a shell, cmd.exe or
Powershell window, never programmed before, had no clue about how to
truly use my OS, etc., I don't think I would understand a bit of this
"help" document, and, at best, would find it very intimidating.  If
this community does wish to cater to those who are totally new to the
world of programming and learning how to really use their PC at any
depth, then I think a different approach or set of documents is
needed.  And an easier way for those playing with the idea of learning
programming and Python to connect with such documentation.

I think that we take a lot for granted that is second nature to most
of us.  Also, most of us have the mindset that even when all of this
programming stuff was new to us (If we can even truly remember that
anymore.), we would have the problem-solving chops to get over these
hurdles.  Many don't have these native inclinations.  Searching online
for technical solutions is completely foreign to many.  Even searching
for anything may be more challenging than we suspect for some.

I am just a Python hobbyist/dabbler, not a pro like most of you, but I
have taught kids through adults various subjects in the past, helped
seniors, etc., and a lot of what we take for granted is *not* easy for
many.  But I believe that almost everyone that can get to the point of
believing that they can perhaps learn programming, can do so, but may
need some encouragement to get to that point of "self-belief".

Sure, some people are just too lazy and want to be spoon-fed, but I
truly believe that is a minority.  Can we make this easier for those
who really would like to try?

Just some thoughts that I hope will be constructively received.

-- 
boB