Question

Just started and excited. Can I download python from MIT? Do I just run it in windows or does it take special set up ? Thank you in advance.

Answer 1

there is a windows installer here: http://python.org/download/releases/2.7.2/
a help file will also be installed - it is invaluable, especially the Tutorial section.
to get to help from within Idle, press F1.

http://wiki.python.org/moin/
that is the front page of the wiki - there is good stuff in the two beginners items in the getting started section

Answer 2

The assignments page has a getting started section at the top:
http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/electrical-engineering-and-computer-science/6-00-introduction-to-computer-science-and-programming-fall-2008/assignments/

It suggests that you download version 2.5.4 from this address:
http://python.org/download/