How to do it...

The following steps will allow you to install the Python data stack on Linux:

1. When installing this stack on Linux, you must know which distribution of Linux you are using. The flavor of Linux usually determines the package management system that you will be using, and the options include apt-get, yum, and rpm.
2. Open your browser and navigate to http://www.scipy.org/install.html, which contains detailed instructions for most platforms.
3. These instructions may change and should supersede the instructions offered here, if different:
   1. Open up a shell.
   2. If you are using Ubuntu or Debian, type the following:

sudo apt-get install build-essential python-dev python-
 setuptools python-numpy python-scipy python-matplotlib ipython 
 ipython-notebook python-pandas python-sympy python-nose

1. 1. If you are using Fedora, type the following:

sudo yum install numpy scipy python-matplotlib ipython python-pandas sympy python-nose 

1. You have several options to install the Python data stack on your Macintosh running OS X. These are:
   1. The first option is to download pre-built installers (.dmg) for each tool, and install them as you would any other Mac application (this is recommended).
   2. The second option is if you have MacPorts, a command line-based system to install software, available on your system. You will also probably need XCode with the command-line tools already installed. If so, you can enter:

sudo port install py27-numpy py27-scipy py27-matplotlib py27- ipython +notebook py27-pandas py27-sympy py27-nose

1. 1. As the third option, Chris Fonnesbeck provides a bundled way to install the stack on the Mac that is tested and covers all the packages we will use here. Refer to http://fonnesbeck.github.io/ScipySuperpack.

All the preceding options will take time as a large number of files will be installed on your system.