Why does this hang the system up

[sparkz_alot]

my knowledge of Python is so limited it has been quite a struggle

Seems to me that with limited knowledge, trying to 'adapt' someone else's code, would indeed be quite a struggle, particularly if you do not completely understand what the original author is trying to accomplish with a certain segment of code, if not the entire script. My advice would be to set this project aside for the time being until you become more proficient at Python, or start your own script, adding to it as your proficiency grows. Personally, I think the later would be of greater benefit to you. If you wish to continue with your current path, you should post a link to the code, in it's entirety, and what it is that you are hoping to 'adapt' it to do. Be warned though, that continuing to follow this line of action is going to lead to more struggles, disappointment and frustration above and beyond what you're normally going to encounter as a new programmer in Python.