Miniconda is a lightweight version of Anaconda that helps you quickly install Python and various packages. It's more suitable for beginners to run AI programs than the full Anaconda.

This tutorial will guide you step-by-step on installing Miniconda on Windows 10, using the official download link. Then, we'll configure a Python 3.10 environment and install some commonly used modules. Don't worry, even if you have no prior experience, you can easily follow along!

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Step 1: Download and Install Miniconda

1. Download Miniconda

   • Open your browser and enter this address, then press Enter: https://www.anaconda.com/download/success#miniconda

   • Scroll down to the "Miniconda" section and click the download link for Windows, or use this direct link: https://repo.anaconda.com/miniconda/Miniconda3-latest-Windows-x86_64.exe

   • The file will be saved to your "Downloads" folder (e.g., C:\Users\YourUsername\Downloads), with a filename like Miniconda3-latest-Windows-x86_64.exe.

2. Install Miniconda

   • Double-click the downloaded file to open the installation window.

   • Click "Next," then agree to the license agreement (click "I Agree").

   • Important: On the "Advanced Options" page, check Add Miniconda3 to my PATH environment variable. This allows you to use the conda command directly. Otherwise, you'll encounter the error conda is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file.

   • Note: Some computers may warn against adding to PATH, but ignore it and check the box. This is a common pitfall for beginners; without it, the commands won't work later.

• Click "Install" and wait a few minutes. Once finished, click "Finish."

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Step 2: Verify Installation and Create a Python 3.10 Virtual Environment

1. Open Command Prompt (CMD)

   • Press and hold the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the "Run" window.
   • Type cmd and press Enter to open the black command prompt window.

2. Verify Miniconda Installation

   • In the command prompt, type: conda --version
   • Press Enter. If it displays something like conda 25.1.1, the installation was successful.

If it says "not recognized as an internal or external command," reinstall and check Add Miniconda3 to my PATH environment variable. 3. Create a Python 3.10 Virtual Environment

• In the command prompt, type: conda create -n myai python=3.10
• myai is the name of the environment. You can choose any name (e.g., ai_env).
• After pressing Enter, the system will download Python 3.10 and some basic packages. It will ask "Y/N." Type y and press Enter to continue the installation.

4. Activate the Virtual Environment
   • Type: conda activate myai
   • Press Enter. If (myai) appears before the command prompt, you've successfully entered the environment.

5. Common Virtual Environment Commands
   • Exit the environment: Type conda deactivate and press Enter. (myai) will disappear when you exit.
   • View all environments: Type conda env list to see a list of your created environments.
   • Delete an environment (if you don't need it): Type conda env remove -n myai to delete it.

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Step 3: Install Modules using pip and requirements.txt

1. Ensure You Are in the Virtual Environment

   • Type conda activate myai and confirm that (myai) is displayed.

2. Install a Common Module to Test

   • For example, install numpy (a mathematical computation tool needed by many AI software): pip install numpy Press Enter. After downloading and installing, you can check the version using python -c "import numpy; print(numpy.__version__)".

3. Install from requirements.txt

   • If your AI software provides a requirements.txt file (listing the required packages), copy it to a folder (e.g., a new folder named "AIProject" on your desktop).
   • Navigate to the folder, delete the contents of the folder's address bar, type cmd, and press Enter to open a terminal window:

• Then, type: pip install -r requirements.txt Press Enter. This will automatically install all packages listed in the file.

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Step 4: Common pip Commands and Troubleshooting

1. Common pip Commands

   • Check pip version: pip --version to see if it's the latest.
   • Update pip: If the version is old, type pip install --upgrade pip to update.
   • List installed packages: pip list to see what's installed.
   • Uninstall a package: For example, pip uninstall numpy to remove it.

2. Common Errors and Solutions

   • Network errors (slow download or failure):

     • It might be a network issue. Try again several times, or use a domestic mirror to speed up the process: pip install -r requirements.txt -i https://pypi.tuna.tsinghua.edu.cn/simple

   • Permission errors (Access Denied):

     • Run CMD as an administrator: Right-click the "Start" menu, select "Command Prompt (Admin)," and try the command again.

   • Dependency conflicts (version incompatibility):

     • If you get a conflict message, try updating pip (pip install --upgrade pip) and then reinstall. If it still doesn't work, ask the software author for recommended versions.

   • Invalid command:

     • If pip doesn't work, type python -m ensurepip and python -m pip install --upgrade pip to fix it.

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Now Miniconda is installed, the Python 3.10 environment is configured, and you can install various required packages. If your AI software has running instructions (e.g., python run.py), enter the corresponding command in the virtual environment (with (myai) displayed).