Issue #963, #1099: fix cross compilation errors on Windows.

[RaghuvirShirodkar]

Description

This PR implements the following changes:

• add helper method for resolving paths for Windows.
• update README file with installation steps.

Fixes #963, #1099

Type of change

• [X] Bug fix (non-breaking change which fixes an issue)

How Has This Been Tested?

Tested on Ubuntu 20.04 and Windows 11.

Checklist:

• [X] My code follows the style guidelines of this project
• [X] I have performed a self-review of my own code
• [X] I have commented my code, particularly in hard-to-understand areas
• [X] I have made corresponding changes to the documentation
• [X] My changes generate no new warnings
• [X] New and existing unit tests pass locally with my changes