title: Conda and Python Modules
body: <p>Sadly, I do not understand how to install random python modules for use within iPython Notebooks with my Anaconda distribution.  The issue is compounded by the fact that I need to be able to do these things without always using a live internet connection.</p>
  
  <p>Most frequently I run into a problem with gcc compiling, where I can install a module with my basic Python2.7, but not with Conda or with the Anaconda/Python.exe.</p>
  
  <ul>
  <li><p>Is Conda only able to install certain modules, as opposed to all valid python modules?  </p></li>
  <li><p>What is binstar?</p></li>
  <li><p>What do I have to do, if anything, to a normal python module in order to make it "Conda-ready," so to speak?</p></li>
  <li><p>Once I have downloaded a python module from SourceForge or GitHub or wherever, how can I ask Conda to install that module from the source files  / binary on my computer (without having to connect to the internet)?</p></li>
  </ul>
  
  <p>Help is greatly appreciated.</p>