We'll use matplotlib in this course for generating data visualizations. Installing it directly can be a bit of a hassle because it has a number of dependencies. Instead, we'll install a commercial collection of Python add-ons from a company called Enthought.
Go to:
http://www.enthought.com/products/edudownload.php
and click on the "DOWNLOAD HERE" link at the bottom. Then follow the instructions to download and install the software.
They have an educational version, which is what we'll be using. It will install a number of useful Python additions, including matplotlib.
If you get stuck, come talk to me.