What's the difference between python-minimal and python-all?

python-all, according to the docs, is a minimal package intended to avoid hard-coded dependencies on python versions.

The two packages you would be looking for are probably python vs. python-minimal. Between those two, the difference is pretty minimal. For the most part, start tinkering with what is installed. You'll probably find that everything is there. If it isn't, look for a package or use easy_install.