The most straightforward way to install Python, pandas, and their associated dependencies would be to install a packaged distribution by using a third-party vendor such as Enthought or Continuum Analytics.

I used to prefer Continuum Analytics Anaconda over Enthought because Anaconda was given away free while Enthought used to charge a subscription for full access to all its numerical modules. However, with the latest release of Enthought Canopy, there is little to separate the two distributions. Nevertheless, my personal preference is for Anaconda, so it is the distribution whose installation I will describe.

For reference, see Anaconda Python Distribution at http://bit.ly/1aBhmgH. I will now give a brief description about the Anaconda package and how to install it.