Python on TAAURUS

Installing Python packages in a virtual environment

TAAURUS has a mirrored PyPI repository, so you can install most Python packages with pip inside a virtual environment. This guide shows how to set up a virtual environment and install packages in your project's work directory.

Step 1: Open the terminal

Go to Menu in the top left corner, search for mate terminal, and click the application to start it.

Improve terminal readability

The default terminal theme can be low contrast. To switch to a darker, higher‑contrast scheme:

1. Go to Edit → Profile Preferences.

1. Open the Colors tab and uncheck Use colors from system theme.
2. Select a dark built‑in scheme (e.g., "White on black"), then close the dialog.

Step 2: Navigate to your project work directory

Change to your project's work folder. Replace project with your actual project name:

cd /media/project/work

Step 3: Create a virtual environment

Create a new virtual environment (you can choose any name; myenv is used here):

python3 -m venv myenv

Step 4: Activate the virtual environment

Activate the environment before installing packages:

source myenv/bin/activate

Your prompt will change to show (myenv) when the environment is active.

Step 5: Install packages with pip

Install the packages you need. For example:

pip install numpy pandas transformers

You can install any combination of packages available on PyPI. TAAURUS uses a mirrored PyPI, so most common packages can be installed without additional configuration.

Step 6: Deactivate when finished

When you are done working, deactivate the virtual environment:

deactivate