In order to compile a LaTeX document on your computer, you will need to install the LaTeX compiler and a text editor. How you do this depends on your operating system:

• Macintosh
• Linux
• Windows

If you have a Windows machine, may I suggest upgrading? Linux is more stable, more secure, faster, and just generally works better.

Assuming that for one reason or another you're stuck with Windows, though, I've heard good things about MiKTeX. Give it a try and let me know if it works for you.

For actually creating and editing LaTeX documents, you will need a text editor. (This is different than a word processor!) Some of the recommendations I've gotten include:

• Bluefish
• jEdit
• ConTEXT
• NotePad++
• Atom