Even if you have an older version of Python, e.g., Python 3.2, on your laptop, you can still install a newer version, e.g., 3.5 or 3.6
On your Windows machine download and install the latest Python 3 Release from Python Release for Windows
On your Mac, you need to download and install Mac OS version of Python 3 Release from Downloads for Python for Mac OS X
Note: You must install Python 3.5 or 3.6 on your laptop before you install Matplotlib!
After you have Python 3.5.1 installed, open a new Terminal.app (in Application/Utilities) window and type the following:
pip3 is the Python 3 version of pip. pip3 will install all the necessary libraries. Almost like magic!
I noticed the first time I ran a Python 3 program using the matplotlib, I received a warning that it was building a font cache and might take a minute.
After you have Python 3.5.1 installed, open a new Command Prompt Window. You can do this by typing in "Command Prompt" in the search box that pops up when you click the Start Button (more detailed directions here).
Once the Command Prompt (black) screen shows up, type the following:
pip3 is the Python 3 version of pip. pip3 will install all the necessary libraries. Almost like magic!
Now you're ready to import the Matplotlib and NumPy packages in IDLE. Try out a few plots by reading the Matplotlib Tutorial below.
Notice when you install Matplotlib, the numerical package NumPy is installed at the same time.
See CSCI 203 Matplotlib Tutorial to get started.
Try some examples in Matplotlib's Gallery.