There are many ways you can prepare your documents in latex. You shall need three software for latex: an editor, a latex compiler, and a picture drawing software. There are many ways to get them. Some of them are mentioned below:
- (Easiest option) For windows: Download and install TeXnicCenter (editor) and Miktex (compiler). For drawing pictures, there are some tools for windows and you can choose one of them (although most of them are not fully convenient). Xfig for windows is a good one. You shall draw the pictures here and then add to your latex document by editor and then compile.
- In Linux: Latex editors, compiler, and drawing tool (xfig) is available or can be added in linux. Latex is best here. However, if you are not familiar with linux and you do not have linux installed in your PC, then this way may not be convenient for you.
- CygWin for windows: Cygwin is a linux emulator for windows. It is like using linux as an application of windows. It does not need linux to be installed in your computer. You can download cygwin, install and run in your windows PC.