Thanks for all your help!
Your information has been very helpful, I've read her some of the posts, and I've gotten her to re-consider. Now the hard part will be convincing my dad.

Brimstone111888 said not to use a tank if you can avoid it, but the girl who owned the python said it was already in a tank.
What is the downside to keeping it in a tank, and what other types of enclosures are there?

Also, she said the snake was in hibernation right now, and I think it was from lack of food. Is this a serious problem, and how do I wake it up?
Since it hasn't eaten in some time, do you think I will have problems getting it to eat again?