if you're starting from scratch
Start Here
The Bottom Line
- Download and install MikTeX ... this can take awhile.
- [OPTIONAL but get it] Download and install Ghostscript (and Ghostview if you want it). You don't need this if you just use pdflatex, but you might want to get it to keep your options open.
- [OPTIONAL] Download and install an editor. The MikTeX distribution includes a simple editor and previewer. I listed some additional full featured editors below. There are many free editors and you should try a few before you settle on one.
MikTeX is available for Linux and IOS... also Tex Live is still aLive. You may also be interested in the MacTeX page.