Post Date: April 15, 2017
Last Updated: September 18, 2026
Introduction
Python is a widely used programming language for scripting, automation, and cloud administration. When working with AWS resources, Python can be used with AWS-related libraries to automate and manage cloud services.
This guide explains the original setup process for installing:
- Python 3
- pip, the Python package installer
- Boto, a Python library for working with AWS resources
- Nano editor as an optional command-line editor
Prerequisites
Before starting, make sure you have:
- A Windows Server host.
- Administrator or appropriate PowerShell privileges.
- Internet connectivity from the server.
- PowerShell access.
Implementation
Step 1: Configure PowerShell Execution Policy
Open PowerShell and set the execution policy for the current user:
Set-ExecutionPolicy -Scope CurrentUser
When prompted, enter:
RemoteSigned
This allows locally created scripts to run while requiring downloaded scripts to be appropriately signed.
Step 2: Create a WebClient Object
Create a .NET WebClient object in PowerShell:
$script = New-Object Net.WebClient
The original procedure uses this object to download the Chocolatey installation script.
Step 3: Download the Chocolatey Installation Script
Chocolatey is a package manager for Windows and provides a command-line approach for installing software packages.
The original article used:
$script.DownloadString("https://chocolatey.org/install.ps1")
The original installation command was:
iwr https://chocolatey.org/install.ps1 -UseBasicParsing | iex
Where:
iwris an alias forInvoke-WebRequest.iexis an alias forInvoke-Expression.
Step 4: Install Python 3
Once Chocolatey is available, the original procedure installs Python 3 using:
choco install -y python3
The original article expected Python to be installed under:
C:\Python3\python.exe
However, the actual installation path can vary depending on the Python and Chocolatey versions being used.
Verify Python Installation
Check the installed Python version:
python -V
You should receive output showing the installed Python version, for example:
Python 3.x.x
You can also verify that Python is available through the system PATH.
Step 5: Verify pip
pip is the package installer used to install Python libraries.
Check whether pip is available:
pip --version
If Python was installed through a current Python distribution or package manager, pip may already be installed with Python.
Step 6: Install Boto
Boto is a Python library that provides an interface for working with AWS resources.
The original article used the following procedure.
Change to the Python installation directory:
cd C:\Python3
Then install Boto using pip:
pip.exe install boto
Verify that the package was installed:
pip show boto
To install Boto3 in a current Python environment:
python -m pip install boto3
You can verify it with:
python -m pip show boto3
Optional: Install Nano on Windows
The original article also covered installing the Nano command-line text editor.
If Chocolatey is available, the original command was:
choco install -y nano
Nano can be useful for users who are familiar with Linux command-line editors and want a similar editing experience on Windows.
Verification Checklist
After completing the installation, verify the main components:
Check Python
python -V
Check pip
pip --version
Check Boto
For the legacy Boto package:
pip show boto
For current AWS Python development:
python -m pip show boto3
Check Chocolatey
choco --version
Conclusion
Python provides a flexible environment for scripting and automation on Windows Server. The original setup uses Chocolatey to install Python 3 and pip, followed by the Boto library for interacting with AWS resources.
For legacy environments that require the original Boto package, the procedure described above can be used as a reference. For new AWS automation projects, Boto3 should be preferred over the older Boto package.
Always verify the Python version, pip installation, and AWS SDK package after completing the setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is pip?
pip is Python’s package installer. It is used to install and manage Python packages and libraries.
For example:
python -m pip install boto3
2. What is Boto?
Boto is an older Python library for interacting with AWS services. It has largely been superseded by Boto3 for modern AWS development.
3. Should I install Boto or Boto3?
For new Python applications and AWS automation, Boto3 should generally be used. The original boto package may still be required by older applications.
4. Can Python be installed without Chocolatey?
Yes. Chocolatey is a package-management option and is not required for Python itself. Python can also be installed using the appropriate current Python distribution or an organization’s approved software deployment method.
5. How can I check which Python version is installed?
Run:
python -V
You can also check pip with:
python -m pip --version
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