Python runs fine on Windows, both as a native Windows thing and under the more Unix-like (perhaps I should say Linux-like) environment you get with Cygwin.

Cygwin is, BTW, definitively recommended for anyone programming under Windows and who cares enough not to make Windows-only software. If not for Python, for the Unix-ish environment. It's a command line that's useful, something you can't get in Windows.

I use it under Windows for testing purposes. Maybe it's not as optimal, but I haven't found any problems yet.

I am not comfortable with using python under windows...