I'd recommend pointing beginners to PythonXY, WinPython, PortablePython, or Anaconda. Just like many Mac people get pointed to `brew` installs, it's just easier for Windows users to run with these installers.
Anaconda is a great install, especially for those dealing with data analysis, but the conda upgrade process from one version to another (1.3 to 1.4) has been hit or miss under Windows. But I still love the packaging and such they and others do...