Getting Started with Latex

I have posted a few tips on Latex before. But I realize that very few people actually know how to get started with Latex. And people who don't have people like me around, almost always stumble(okay not all). So here is a step-by-step guide for you guys who don't have anyone around you.

Latex is closer to a programming language than you can initially think of it. So get prepared to do some coding kind of stuff. This doesn't mean you need to back off. Just follow the few steps here and then you can get started, and the results will get you going further :)
I am assuming you are on Windows. People in Linux should do the initial steps(they know how to do) and just jump to Step 5 to get started.

MiKTeX Documentation : You can also look >>here<< for the Steps 1 to 2.

Step 1:
You need to install MiKTeX package. >>Click here<< MiKTeX 2.8 Net Installer, which is the complete package. I prefer you download the complete package, but if you are just trying to get a basic picture of Latex, the Basic Installer would do just fine for you.

Step 2:
Unpack the MiKTeX package using Winzip, Winrar, or any other unzipping software. In the folder you have just unpacked the contents, you will find a file, named something like "setup-2.7.2904.exe". That is the setup file. Execute this file to install MiKTeX package on your system. I suppose that you have installed it in the folder "C:\Program Files\MiKTeX 2.7\".
The installation may take some time.

Step 3:
Now you need to install Ghostscript and Ghostview. Don't worry why, just install it. Latex is a bit complicated even for me to understand. ;)
Ghostscript download page : >>Click here<< Choose the latest version(bottommost)
Ghostview download page : >>Click here<< Choose the one appropriate for you.
[Search 'ghostscript' and 'ghostview' in google to guide you where to install in case the above link doesn't work.]
Unpack the downloaded ghostscript file and then install it. Install the Ghostview file downloaded.

Step 4:
Now your system is ready. But I suggest you install a Latex editor. I use Texniccenter, and will discuss it here.
Search 'Texniccenter' in google and get going. OR >>click here<<
Install it.
When you first run Texniccenter, you are asked about the location where to find the Latex packages. This is the location : "C:\Program Files\MiKTeX 2.7\miktex\bin".

DONE!! Congratulations

Now I mention texniccenter as TXC.Step 5:You need to set your TXC as the figure below. Change the setting in box 1.

The white space is where your latex code( or whatever you like to call it) is written.
After you write something(meaningful) there and save it in a file(.tex format) you have to press the button in box2(in the figure above) or Ctrl+F5.Below is a basic Latex code you can use to get started with :

\documentclass[a4paper, 12pt]{article}

\usepackage{graphicx}

\setlength{\hoffset}{0pt}

\setlength{\voffset}{0pt}

\setlength{\oddsidemargin}{0pt}

\setlength{\topmargin}{0pt}

\setlength{\headheight}{0pt}

\setlength{\headsep}{0pt}

\setlength{\textheight}{701pt}

\setlength{\textwidth}{453pt}

\setlength{\marginparsep}{0pt}

\setlength{\marginparwidth}{0pt}

\setlength{\footskip}{0pt}

\setlength{\marginparpush}{0pt}

\pagestyle{empty}

\begin{document} 

% section heading 

\section{Section heading}

% subsection heading

\subsection{subsection heading}

Here is some text.\\

Hope you enjoy Latex. Welcome to the group of Latex users. Have fun!

% non-numbered section heading

\section*{Section heading2}

Now how do you like this???

% and do you know if you want to insert a figure

% say, window.jpg, just place the file in the folder

% in which you keep this latex file.

\begin{center}

\includegraphics{window}

\end{center}

\end{document}