diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index f6cbd37312787c77ae808cbf0610b652b5940504..a868f8d78b765c584541e91902d4cd7e7ebdd01d 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -7,27 +7,26 @@ Geomag algorithms includes tools to fetch, process, and output geomag data.
 Install
 -------
 
-1. Install `python` (2.7.X)
+We recommend using virtual environments:
 
-    - On OS X, we recommend using Homebrew ( http://brew.sh/ )
+    - http://docs.python-guide.org/en/latest/dev/virtualenvs/
 
-2. Create a virtual environment (Optional, but recommended)
 
-    `virtualenv geomagenv`
-    activate virtual environment (note the period at the start).
-    `. geomagenv/bin/activate`
+1. Install `python` (2.7.X)
+
+    - On OS X, we recommend using Homebrew ( http://brew.sh/ )
 
-3. Install numpy, obspy requires this be installed separately.
+2. Install numpy, obspy requires this be installed separately.
 
     `pip install numpy`
 
-4. Install geomagio
+3. Install geomagio
 
     `pip install git+https://github.com/usgs/geomag-algorithms.git`
 
-5. Use geomagio
+4. Use geomagio
 
-    - Use the main scripts, `xyz.py -h`.
+    - Use the xyz main script, `xyz.py -h`.
     - In python scripts, `import geomagio` or `import geomagio.iaga2002`.