First step to support python 2(.7) and 3(.3+)

When the work is finished the moniker "work in progress" should be removed.

INSTALL

@@ -80,11 +80,11 @@ The two following programs should be available at configuration time:
     as. Otherwise, LyX will not be able to run a number of tests. Note
     that users can run these tests manually with Tools>Reconfigure.
 
-  o Python 2.4 or newer must be installed. Python is used for many
-    simple tasks that are executed by external scripts, such as the
-    automatic configuration step and the import of older LyX documents
-    with the lyx2lyx script (this script is called automatically when
-    opening a file). Python 3.0 or later is not supported.
+  o Python 2.7 must be installed. Python is used for many simple tasks
+    that are executed by external scripts, such as the automatic
+    configuration step and the import of older LyX documents with the
+    lyx2lyx script (this script is called automatically when opening a
+    file). Python 3 (3.3 or later) support is work in progress.
 
 
 Creating the Makefile

README

@@ -33,10 +33,8 @@ What do I need to run LyX?
     A decent LaTeX2e installation (e.g. TeX Live for Linux, MikTeX for
     Windows).
 
-    Python 2.4 or later to convert old LyX files and for helper scripts.
-    Note 1: Python 2.4 or later is required due to the subprocess module.
-    Note 2: Python 2.6 or later is recommended on Windows.
-    Note 3: Python 3.0 or later is not supported.
+    Python 2.7 to convert old LyX files and for helper scripts.
+    Note: Python 3 (3.3 or later) support is work in progress.
 
 How does the LyX version scheme work?
 

configure.ac

@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ for file in config/install-sh ; do
   chmod 755 ${srcdir}/${file}
 done
 
-AM_PATH_PYTHON(2.4.0,, :)
+AM_PATH_PYTHON(2.7.0,, :)
 AC_PROG_RANLIB
 
 ### Check for a C++ compiler